Mystery surrounds sudden resignation of Northern Land Council chief executive Joe Morrison

MYSTERY surrounds the sudden resignation of Northern Land Council chief executive Joe Morrison

Outgoing Northern Land Council CEO Joe Morrison. Picture: Anna Rogers

MYSTERY surrounds the sudden resignation of Northern Land Council chief executive Joe Morrison.

The council’s office phone rang out several times on Thursday despite confirmation there was a spokeswoman present on the other end of the line.

Written media inquiries also remained unanswered.

Members of the NLC council also refused to comment on the departure of the NLC boss, who has been in the role since February 2014.

Mr Morrison’s resignation statement was released on Wednesday evening and cited “personal reasons” for his decision.

READ MORE: NLC BOSS JOE MORRISON QUITS ABRUPTLY

The statement said Mr Morrison would not be saying anything more at this time but that he thought “it was time to explore other opportunities”.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ken Vowles acknowledged the resignation with regret, saying it was a huge loss for the organisation.

“No matter the subject – and there have been several difficult matters to discuss – Joe has always proved himself to be open to discussion and, most importantly, a strong advocate for the NLC and Aboriginal affairs in general,” he said.

“The NLC has benefited greatly from his guidance ... and when he finishes up next year he will leave behind some big shoes to fill.

“I wish Joe all the best in his future endeavours, and remain committed to working with the NLC, and whoever becomes the new CEO, to better the lives of Aboriginal Territorians.”

Anindilyakwa Land Council chief executive Mark Hewitt said they had worked extensively with the NLC and hoped everything would remain “business as usual”.

“The CEO takes direction from his board and his chair and we’ve got a very close working relationship,” he said.

Mr Hewitt said he had heard the transition period for Mr Morrison to hand over the reins would extend until March.

“I think it will be stable. The NLC is bigger than that CEO position,” he said.

“Sammy (the NLC chair Samuel Bush-Blanasi) is not going anywhere and our chair and Sammy work very close together with the board.”