AAPA boss Dr Ben Scambary replaced by Robert Pocock

A long-serving NT chief executive has been replaced. See who’s moving where.

The Territory’s longest serving chief executive, Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority’s Benedict Scambary, has left the organisation.

Two weeks after Mr Scambary spoke at an NT Minerals Council event where he made the case for AAPA, Land and Planning Minister Josh Burgoyne announced Robert Pocock would take over as interim chief executive.

“Mr Robert Pocock brings a wealth of experience, most recently as a Director of Strategic Aboriginal Policy with the Northern Territory Government and as a member of the Northern Territory Heritage Council, with several years of legal practice experience,” Mr Burgoyne said.

He thanked Dr Scambary for his leadership and “significant contribution” over 17 years.

AAPA chair Bobby Nunggumajbarr said Mr Scambary’s departure was a significant loss.

“Dr Scambary is the Territory’s longest serving chief executive officer,” Mr Nunggumajbarr said. “For 17 years he has worked tirelessly to ensure the sacred sites of the Northern Territory are protected, while supporting development.

Ben Scambary has left the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority

“He is highly trusted by custodians, respected by industry and has provided steady, principled leadership through times of challenge and change.

“Under Dr Scambary, the Authority successfully managed complex developments while safeguarding sacred sites. He strengthened the Authority’s performance and reduced processing time frames, amid increasing demand for the Authority’s services.

“Dr Scambary was instrumental in supporting numerous large-scale projects across the Territory, from the roll-out of the NBN to more recent projects like the SunCable Australia-Asia PowerLink, the Territory Energy Link and the Adelaide River Off-stream Water Storage project.

“A very humble and respectful man, Dr Scambary has also bravely stood for sacred sites including successfully prosecuting Australia’s first case of sacred site desecration, when OM Manganese destroyed a site at Bootu Creek.

“Last year the High Court also ruled unanimously in favour of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority in the long-running battle with National Parks over the protection of sacred sites.

Ben Scambary with Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority chair Bobby Nunggumajbarr.

“During his tenure, the Authority has become the Territory’s most effective regulator. With his record of successful prosecutions, more than 3000 issued Authority Certificates and strong engagement with all stakeholders, Dr Scambary has helped shape the independent Authority into one of the assets of the NT, supporting both Aboriginal culture and Territory growth.

“Dr Scambary leaves an enduring legacy of consultation, respect and integrity. On behalf of the Board, it has been an honour to work with Dr Scambary.”

Dr Scambary said he leaves the organisation with immense pride.

“The authority operates at the intersection of Territory law, industry and Aboriginal cultural law, and is recognised nationally and internationally as the benchmark for balancing Aboriginal heritage and development,” Dr Scambary said.

“I am incredibly grateful for the years I have spent as part of its small and dedicated team.

“It has been a privilege to be involved in projects across the length and breadth of the Territory, from infrastructure and housing to tourism, defence, primary industries, and of course the resources sector.

“Protecting Aboriginal sacred sites is not a tick box exercise, it is part of what makes the Territory a remarkable place to live and work.

“Sharing sacred and secret information with outsiders has never been the traditional way of caring for sites. I recognise the enormous leap of faith custodians take in placing their cultural knowledge into the framework of western law.”