Aboriginal legal aid organisation NAAJA cleared of criminal misconduct

Aboriginal legal aid organisation NAAJA has claimed victory following claims of illegal conduct. Read what happened.

Allegations made against the chief financial officer of a Territory legal aid organisation have been dismissed.

North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency announced via media release its CFO Madhur Evans had been cleared of criminal conduct by NT Police.

The statement followed confirmation from NT Police that NAAJA’s executive and board members had also been cleared of criminal conduct.

“NAAJA at all times co-operated with NT Police in its investigations and is pleased that this

matter (which was the result of unsubstantiated allegations made by dismissed CEO Priscilla

Atkins) has been resolved,” the statement said.

“NAAJA continues to assist NT Police in their on-going investigations into matters identified

by audit firm BDO Australia, in its independent investigation into undisclosed financial

arrangements and credit card use by Ms. Atkins.”

NAAJA chairperson Colleen Rosas. Picture: Che Chorley

NAAJA chairperson, Colleen Rosas, said the board was looking forward to setting its future strategic direction for the organisation.

“We are now moving forward with an update of our strategic plan and strengthening governance, systems and operations to ensure the organisation continues to deliver quality services to its clients and community,” Ms Rosas said.

“I understand that recent events have been unsettling, and NAAJA’s dedicated and diligent staff are to be commended for continuing to deliver high-quality and culturally responsive

Aboriginal legal and justice services across the Territory.”

NAAJA suffered an exodus of staff in recent years prompted by the dismissal of former chief executive Priscilla Atkins.

During an unfair dismissal case that followed, Ms Atkins claimed Ms Evans had made secret unauthorised payments to Ms Rosas. The NT Police investigation was separate to the Federal Court case.

The court case is expected to conclude next year.

Originally published as Aboriginal legal aid organisation NAAJA cleared of criminal misconduct