Hugh Woodbury named the new NAAJA chairperson

Australia’s largest Aboriginal legal service has named their new chairperson amid the rising demand for legal representation. Find out what he hopes to bring to the organisation.

The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) has appointed a born and bred Alice Springs man as their new chairperson.

Arrernte descendant Hugh Woodbury will take over as the organisation’s chairperson in a time where NAAJA is working to build and meet the rising demand for legal services.

He replaces Colleen Rosas, as part of the agency’s constitution requiring the chairperson to rotate every three years.

Mr Woodbury was born and raised in Alice Springs and has extensive experience in the legal and community service sectors.

He has worked as an Indigenous family liaison officer for the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, and as a welfare rights officer for the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service.

Hugh Woodbury has been named the new NAAJA chairperson. Picture: Che Chorley

“I am honoured to have been appointed to chair the board of NAAJA,” Mr Woodbury said.

“(They’re) an organisation that has a long and proud history of delivering essential legal services to Aboriginal people right across the Northern Territory.

“I care deeply about what is happening in our town and our region right now and see NAAJA having a critical role to play in fighting for just outcomes for Aboriginal people.

“Over-policing and discriminatory policies have directly contributed to mass incarceration.”

NAAJA has endured an already tumultuous 2024, with the departure of their fifth chief executive in 18 months occurring in late February.

Earlier that month, the Attorney-General’s department confirmed an independent auditor had been appointed to examine all public money received by the organisation in the last financial year.

Outgoing chairperson Ms Rosas, who will stay on board as the deputy chairperson, said Mr Woodbury’s appointment would bring a fresh and unique perspective to the agency.

“Hugh is young, smart, and passionate about empowering Aboriginal communities,” she said.

“He’s currently studying arts and business on a scholarship and this experience will only add to the knowledge and expertise he brings to his new role.

“The past few months have been extremely challenging as demand for NAAJA’s services escalated, requiring some tough decisions to be made.

“However, we are delivering on our workforce action plan, evidenced by the re-opening of new client intake in Central Australia.

“The NAAJA board remains committed to continuing to bolster our ranks with the best and brightest legal minds and support workers.”