Natasha Fyles appointed Somerville community services boss
Former chief minister Natasha Fyles has signalled she’ll stay in the Territory after landing a plum community sector role. Read who it is.
Northern Territory
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Former chief minister Natasha Fyles has landed a plum new role with a leading Northern Territory community services provider.
Just short of 12 months since she was rolled as Labor’s leader and Territory chief minister, Somerville Community Services has appointed Ms Fyles to be its new chief executive.
The NT News understands Ms Fyles was one of three former Labor government MLAs to contest for the role, which was vacated by experienced health services administrator Lawson Broad, who is relocating to Sydney.
Her salary is understood to be in excess of $250,000.
Somerville chairman Andrew Caddy said Ms Fyles was a passionate advocate and supporter of people living with disability who had “extensive experience and knowledge” of the sector.
“Natasha is a compassionate and skilled leader with a history of working across diverse industries with people from all corners of the Territory to deliver outcomes for the communities she serves,” Mr Caddy said.
“Her professional attributes and personal devotion to supporting people with disabilities aligns seamlessly with Somerville’s vision and mission and makes her an excellent fit for chief executive as the organisation approaches its 60th anniversary.”
Mr Caddy thanked Mr Broad for his seven-year tenure with Somerville, in particular singling out his work around refocusing the organisation during its transition to the NDIS.
Ms Fyles, who will begin in the role in February, said supporting and advocating for people with “diverse needs” was close to her heart.
“Disability services are complex to deliver and are at a pivotal point in Australia,” she said.
“I look forward to working with the highly-skilled Somerville staff and board to support continued delivery of the high-quality compassionate care Somerville is known for.
“I have a personal passion for ensuring people who are on NDIS plans can access the services they need regardless of location or cultural background.
“A highlight of my time as a member of the Northern Territory legislative assembly was overseeing the Territory’s transition to the NDIS. Engaging with and listening to the needs of the community was at the heart of this transition and is central to the person-centred care approach I advocate for.
“I will lead with compassion and be a fierce advocate for the Territory at a federal level, ensuring Somerville’s current and future participants continue to receive the support they need to live fulfilling lives.”
In the statement released by Somerville, Ms Fyles reflected on her political career and events post the August 24 election.
“I contested the 2024 Northern Territory election with the intention of remaining in parliament,” she said.
“Since then, I have taken stock including spending time with my family, undertaking professional development and assessing where my career will go next.
“I look forward to starting a new chapter with Somerville, an organisation I truly feel I have the skills and passion to contribute to.”
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