The Northern Territory’s new acting Treaty Commissioner says he’s endeared by the response to his appointment.
Wirdi man Tony McAvoy SC was appointed to the role on Wednesday, stepping in for former commissioner Professor Mick Dodson.
The Northern Territory government has been without a Treaty Commissioner since June 11, after Mr Dodson resigned following allegations of verbally abusing two women.
The first Indigenous person in Australia appointed to senior counsel, Mr McAvoy has previously worked within the Northern Territory during the Royal Commission into Youth Detention in the NT.
Mr McAvoy told NIRS that the response to his appointment has been refreshing.
“I have had many, many messages of support from people all around Australia, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, and the level of support is quite refreshing and exciting.
There’s very much an air out there of people wanting to see something done.”
