The appointment of Mr Kelly as an acting member will support the valuable work of the tribunal while a full merits selection process to fill the substantive position is underway.

“Mr Kelly’s qualifications, knowledge and experience make him an ideal choice for this acting appointment and I thank Mr Kelly for agreeing to take on this interim role,” Mr Porter said.

“He has a proven track record of working constructively and collaboratively within and across all parts of the native title sector to achieve positive outcomes that address the diverse needs and interests of Indigenous stakeholders, industry proponents and all tiers of government.”

Mr Kelly is a Noongar man from south‑west Western Australia. He has 25 years’ experience in the areas of Aboriginal affairs, native title, community and cultural development.

Mr Kelly most recently served as the CEO of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council, CEO of the National Native Title Council, a director of KPMG’s Indigenous Services.

He was also the chair of the WA Aboriginal Lands Trust, a member of the Reconciliation Australia board of directors, principal of Djilba Consulting and CEO of the Forum for Directors of Indigenous Organisations.