Jackson, Mr C.

The Hon. M. EL DANNAWI (14:29): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Will the minister inform the council of Uncle Charlie Jackson's South Australian Senior Australian of the Year award?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:29): I thank the honourable member for her question. It is wonderful to see such a deserving individual as Charles Jackson, affectionately known by many who know him as Uncle Charlie, being named South Australia's Senior Australian of the Year for 2025 and being recognised for his lifelong commitment to our South Australian community. I have had the privilege of knowing Uncle Charlie for many years. Uncle Charlie has dedicated over five decades to improving the lives of his community, particularly working with Aboriginal children and advocating for vulnerable Aboriginal communities.

He has had a diverse career, spanning many different roles: he has been a marriage celebrant, a cultural awareness teacher, board member, services coordinator and NDIS officer. In 1978 he became the first Aboriginal person in Australia, I understand, to be appointed a justice of the peace. He was elected as an ATSIC commissioner in 1990, and several years later was appointed by the then Premier to preside on the Environment, Resources and Development Court as a native title commissioner.

Uncle Charlie's leadership and longstanding commitment to the services of the Aboriginal community was recognised in 2018 when he was granted the Order of Australia medal. At 75 years young, Uncle Charlie continues to be a pillar of leadership and wisdom in his community as an Adnyamathanha elder. As South Australia's Senior Australian of the Year he brings a wealth of experience and cultural knowledge to important discussions about social issues. He has long been a vocal advocate for his community and a valuable contributor of advice to government agencies and community service organisations in particular.

Uncle Charlie's recognition is not just a personal accolade but a celebration of the invaluable contribution of this state's Aboriginal elders. His selection as South Australia's Senior Australian of the Year is a testament to the positive impact one individual can have on their community and as a nation as a whole. Uncle Charlie will now represent South Australia, along with the other South Australian category winners at the national awards in Canberra in January 2025. I wish Uncle Charlie the very best of luck at the awards next year, but no matter the outcome of the awards, the contribution Uncle Charlie has made for his community will continue to have long-lasting impacts.