Fifth floor staffer named NT’s Deputy Treaty Commissioner

FAILED Labor Senate candidate turned fifth floor staffer Ursula Raymond has been appointed as the NT’s new Deputy Treaty Commissioner

Ursula Raymond has been named as the NT’s new Deputy Treaty Commissioner. Picture: Glenn Campbell

FAILED Labor Senate candidate turned fifth floor staffer Ursula Raymond has been appointed as the NT’s new Deputy Treaty Commissioner.

Ms Raymond, who is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman from the NT, has an extensive background in media and communications, including senior roles at the Northern Land Council and the ABC.

She worked as the chief of staff for former NT senator Nova Peris before she became a fifth floor staffer with the NT Government.

NT Treaty Commissioner Professor Mick Dodson said a key component of Ms Raymond’s role will be to ensure that Aboriginal culture is respected and practised appropriately when consulting with Aboriginal women and girls across the NT.

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“There are women and girls who in our culture I am not allowed to talk to, and there are also women and girls who are not comfortable or able to talk to me, so Ms Raymond’s appointment will ensure that all Aboriginal women and girls across the NT will have an opportunity for their voices to be heard thereby making a meaningful contribution to this important work,” Commissioner Dodson said.

“I am confident that Ms Raymond has the skills and experience to support me to deliver the requirements of our Terms of Reference, including a high quality final report.”

NT Opposition Leader Gary Higgins said he trusted that the independent Commission made the selection based on merit.

“We wish her well in her new role of listening to female Aboriginal voices,” he said.