Nigel Browne to head Aboriginal Investment NT

A Northern Territory local has been named to head a $655m investment body. Read who got the job.

Nigel Browne, chief executive Larrakia Development Corporation

A hole has been plugged at the top of Aboriginal Investment NT with the appointment of Nigel Browne as chief executive officer.

Scheduled to take up the role in early March, Mr Browne replaces Elly Patira who left the organisation late last year after almost two years in the role.

Aboriginal Investment NT is a Canberra-funded investment body constituted to provide capital to organisations, businesses and projects to develop an income generation for Aboriginal people.

The fund has about $155m assigned for short-term community projects and a $500m future fund for longer-term, intergenerationial investment.

Nigel Browne has a new job with Aboriginal Investment NT.

In a statement, Aboriginal Investment NT said Mr Browne would focus on impact, innovation and empowerment of Aboriginal people across the Territory.

Mr Browne has been chief executive of Larrakia Development Corporation, which is currently constructing a Larrakia Cultural Centre at Darwin’s waterfront.

He has declined to comment in recent weeks about LDC’s position on the proposed construction of a new hotel at Darwin’s Waterfront, which is subject to a sacred site claim, and LDC also opposed a residential development at Lee Point.

Mr Browne has worked as a solicitor, police adviser and crown prosecutor as well as sitting on various boards or committees.

“I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the CEO of Aboriginal Investment NT and to continue the vital work of supporting Aboriginal communities across the Northern Territory,” Mr Browne said.

Former Aboriginal Investment NT chief executive Elly Patira. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“This is an exciting time to build on the strong foundations laid by my predecessors, and I’m looking forward to advancing sustainable, long-term opportunities for Aboriginal Territorians.

“I believe in the power of partnerships and collaboration to drive positive outcomes that achieve meaningful change. By working together with our communities, industry, and all levels of government, we can ensure that Aboriginal people have the opportunities and resources they need to thrive and succeed on their own terms.”

Aboriginal Investment NT chair Barbara Shaw said Mr Browne’s experience would drive the organisation.

“Nigel’s dedication to empowering Aboriginal communities and his proven leadership in fostering economic growth in the NT will be invaluable to our organisation,” Ms Shaw said.

“We are looking forward to having Nigel start with us to continue the already positive momentum we have gained.”

She thanked acting chief-executives Brian Wyborn and Andrew Werro, who have filled the role during the recruitment process.

“The Board is committed to supporting Nigel in his transition, ensuring a smooth integration into the CEO position while building on the strong foundations set by Mr Wyborn and Mr Werro,” she said.

“We remain focused on our mission to deliver robust economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities across the Northern Territory.”

Originally published as Nigel Browne to head Aboriginal Investment NT