The CEO of Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC), the Prescribed Body Corporate for the Martu people of the Western Desert, has confirmed he is leaving the job after five and a half years in the role.
Mr McRae began his service in January 2019 with what was then known as Western Desert Lands Aboriginal Corporation (WDLAC).
He has more than 40 years’ experience in government, private and non-profit organisations, always with a strong focus on sustainable economic and social development.
Mr McRae served as an MP and Minister in the Gallop and Carpenter governments with portfolios including WA’s first minister for Climate Change, initiating the state’s 2007 Climate Change Action Policy.
Before politics, he served as the first Director of Research & Information at the National Native Title Tribunal and after as CEO of IBN Corporation, WA’s largest Aboriginal corporation and charitable trust, and Chairperson of the Pilbara Aboriginal Corporations and Enterprises Association.
Mr McRae leaves JYAC having steered the organisation from 2 staff to the 2025 year where JYAC’s budget will exceed $20million.
He says he is most proud of the progress on negotiations with the WA Government for recognition of Martu native title rights over Karlamilyi National Park and compensation – after it was taken from Martu in 1977.
“It’s now 47 years since Martu lands were taken away, and two years since the government agreed that this injustice needs to be fixed.
“This waiting adds to the hurt felt by Martu, which is why it’s time for the State government to make good on its promise to recognise Martu ownership,” said Mr McRae.
The JYAC board expressed its gratitude for Mr McRae’s work during his extensive time as CEO.
Chairperson Bruce Booth said that Tony had been a strong advocate for Martu when speaking to government, mining and industry on behalf of Martu
“He leaves JYAC in a better position than when he started, and we thank him for his hard work.”
“The JYAC Board has the highest respect for Mr McRae and we appreciate he and the Board will work to make this a seamless transition.
“Mr McRae will continue in his role until the new financial year when JYAC’s Chief Operating Officer, Rewi Lyall, will serve as interim CEO while the JYAC Board commences a recruitment search.
“Martu have a great future – we hold exclusive possession native title over our lands and have put protecting ngurra (country) as the number one priority. This is a cultural priority and the JYAC Board will ensure Martu are owners and partners in any developments on our country,” Mr Booth said.
Mr McRae said he hopes to continue to contribute to Indigenous advancement and tackling climate change.
“I’m looking forward to the next chapter, including Maria and I staying with our kids and grandkids interstate and me winning a coveted golf championship,” Mr McRae said.
Tony McRae with former JYAC Chair, Simon Frank, at the signing of the Warla Warrarn Martu IPA