The Federal government has appointed Justin Mohamed as Australia's inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People.
In a joint statement Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney and Senator Pat Dodson said the new position ensures, for the first time, that Australia will have dedicated Indigenous representation in international engagement.
"Justin has worked for decades in First Nations health, social justice, and reconciliation," Ms Burney tweeted.
"I just know he'll do great things on the world stage and help elevate First Nations voices to the world stage."
Mr Mohamed, a Gooreng Gooreng man from Bundaberg, Queensland, is deputy secretary of Aboriginal Justice in Victoria.
Goreng Goreng man and Australia's inaugural Ambassador for First Nations People Justin Mohamed alongside Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Wiradjuri woman Linda Burney. Source: Twitter / Minister Linda Burney
"I am excited about the opportunities ahead to embed First Nations voices and knowledge into Australia's foreign policies and trade," Mr Mohamed said.
"I am looking forward to sitting down and listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country, as we develop foreign policies that have First Nations People's knowledges, voice and connection to country front and centre."
Mr Mohamed will lead the Office of First Nations Engagement in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
He will commence as ambassador in April.
