Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion
About the Minister

I was born in London in 1956 and spent my early years between Malaysia and Malawi in Africa and England, later being educated in England and Australia.
From 1985, when I moved to the Northern Territory, I worked in mining and established a professional fishing business as well as being involved in the maritime salvage, security and engineering industries. Six years were spent living off the coast of Arnhem Land where I developed strong relationships with many individuals in the area and forged a keen understanding of issues facing Australia’s first peoples, particularly those in remote Australia.
It is an honour and a privilege to be the first Minister responsible for Indigenous Affairs in a stand-alone portfolio. This reflects the Government’s strong focus on Indigenous Affairs and determination to improve the circumstances of our first peoples.
I’m proud to serve as a Minister in the Federal Government.
The hopes and dreams of First Australians reflect those of all Australians; a positive future for the next and subsequent generations.
My priorities as Minister are to ensure that Indigenous children attend school every day and receive a quality education; that adults have real jobs driven by sustainable economic development; and that the rule of law applies in remote communities as it does across the rest of Australia, to ensure communities are safe for all residents, particularly children.
Latest Minister News
Media release
21 February 2019
Statement on the Aboriginal Land Commissioner’s Report on Review of Detriment
Media release
21 February 2019
Tribute to Waal Waal – the internationally renowned artist from Aurukun
Media release
19 February 2019
Coalition Government supports the recognition of Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory
Media release
5 February 2019
Your Online Journey app launched to improve Indigenous digital literacy and online safety