Deputy Secretary

You. At the centre of big ideas.

• First Nations executive leadership role at the centre of NSW government
• Drive outcomes in self-determination, policy reform, truth telling, and organisational excellence
• Ongoing PSSE Band 3 role based in Sydney

The organisation

Aboriginal Affairs NSW puts the voice of Aboriginal people at the centre of decision-making, with a focus on truth-telling and healing, supporting self-determination, strengthening Aboriginal culture, and bringing the voice of Aboriginal people within government. With the vision to have every Aboriginal person and Community thriving and celebrated, Aboriginal Affairs NSW provides a culturally safe place for Aboriginal voices to be heard, influencing across NSW Government to appropriately reform policies and programs. As a division of the Premier's Department, Aboriginal Affairs NSW is committed to advancing systemic reform that reflects the strength, resilience, and aspirations of Aboriginal peoples.

Their work focuses on:

• Self-determination
  : Empowering Aboriginal communities to lead and make decisions about their futures.
• Truth-telling
  : Acknowledging and addressing past injustices to build a just and equitable future.
• Cultural strength
  : Celebrating and preserving Aboriginal cultures and languages.
• Community-led governance
  : Supporting Aboriginal communities to govern and manage their affairs.

Aboriginal Affairs NSW's work is guided by key government commitments including Closing the Gap, OCHRE, Treaty consultations, and reforms to Aboriginal cultural heritage and the
Aboriginal Land Rights Act
. More than half of the agency's workforce, including senior leadership, proudly identify as Aboriginal, with a strong commitment to providing a culturally safe, inclusive and supportive workplace.

The opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to lead systemic change at the intersection of community, culture and government, and to build on the stability and strategic direction achieved in recent years. The Deputy Secretary, Aboriginal Affairs is a pivotal leadership role within the Premier's Department, responsible for leading Aboriginal Affairs NSW and providing authoritative advice to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, the Secretary of the Premier's Department and senior decision-makers across government. Operating at the centre of government, the role carries significant influence - Agency Secretaries and Ministers look to this position for guidance on Aboriginal policy, reform and accountability.

The Deputy Secretary currently leads four key reform streams:

• Closing the Gap
  – delivering systemic change that transforms the way government works with Aboriginal communities, aligning funding, contracts and accountability.
• Local decision making
  – supporting community-driven governance models that enable Aboriginal communities to shape services and outcomes.
• Treaty consultations
  – providing leadership and advice on the NSW Government's commitment to meaningful consultation with Aboriginal peoples, recognising diverse community perspectives.
• Unfinished business
  – advancing healing initiatives including Stolen Generations reparations, keeping places and cultural heritage reform.

About you

You are a culturally grounded and influential Aboriginal leader with the vision, steadiness, and resilience to shape systemic reform across government. You bring credibility and cultural authority, supported by proven executive leadership experience in complex organisations. Ideally, your career spans both government and community sectors, giving you the ability to navigate diverse environments, influence senior stakeholders, and deliver meaningful outcomes in partnership with Aboriginal communities.

You have a track record of strategic leadership and sound judgement, providing trusted counsel to Ministers and Secretaries, as well as experience in leading reform and organisational change with stability and focus. You demonstrate deep cultural knowledge and credibility, engage effectively with Aboriginal leaders, peak bodies, and communities, and have the capacity to lead large, diverse teams and manage resources in complex, high-profile environments. Above all, you are committed to advancing Aboriginal self-determination, prosperity, and cultural strength across NSW.

To learn more about the role please review Role Description.

Note that being an Aboriginal person is a genuine occupational qualification for this role under s14 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

How to apply

For a confidential discussion or role related questions, please contact Jessica Gough, Jess Lewy or Felicity Stalley of The Orchard Talent Group at To apply please submit your current CV and a cover letter by email

Applications close Sunday 19 October 2025.