ANTaR congratulates Professor Ken Wyatt AM on becoming the first Indigenous person to be elected to the Federal House of Representatives after claiming the seat of Hasluck.

‘This is an historic event in Australia’s history and will pave the way for other Indigenous people to enter Federal Parliament’, said Dr Janet Hunt, ANTaR President.

‘ANTaR has worked with Professor Wyatt on a range of Indigenous health issues in his previous roles in government and has benefited enormously from his wisdom and expertise.’

As the Director of Aboriginal Health in NSW, Professor Wyatt worked closely with reconciliation organisations, including ANTaR, and was a strong advocate for policies which recognised the links between Indigenous education and health and wellbeing.

‘Professor Wyatt is a highly qualified and capable individual with extensive experience in Indigenous education and health. He will be an asset to Parliament’.

While this is a first for the Federal House of Representatives, ANTaR acknowledges the important work that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are doing in State and Territory parliaments and local governments around the country.

ANTaR is the pre-eminent non-Indigenous national advocacy organisation dedicated specifically to the rights - and overcoming the disadvantage - of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Media contact: Dr Janet Hunt – 0408 170 448