Davidson is proud to be partnering with the Northern Territory Government (NTG) in the search for the next Chief Executive Officer of Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA).

This microsite, created on behalf of the NTG, provides key information and guidance for individuals interested in applying for this role.
AAPA has been protecting sacred sites since 1979
AAPA covers all of the NT and its waters
AAPA has an office in Darwin and in Alice Springs
About Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority
Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) oversees the protection of Aboriginal sacred sites on land and sea across the whole of Australia’s Northern Territory.
Led by an Aboriginal Board, the AAPA is a small and dedicated team working with Aboriginal custodians to ensure sacred sites are protected whilst providing developers with certainty and confidence when carrying out works.
Whilst protecting Aboriginal sacred sites is the responsibility of all Australians, only Aboriginal custodians can set out what is required to preserve the sanctity of a site.

Under the NT Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act, the Authority consults with Aboriginal custodians to ensure they are fully informed about development, and to ensure land users and developers are given clear conditions regarding proposed work in the vicinity of sacred sites.
Primarily AAPA protects sacred sites by:
- Maintaining records of identified sacred sites in the Northern Territory, and providing information to the public.
- Issuing Authority Certificates, which set out the conditions by which work can proceed on and around sacred sites.
- Investigating and prosecuting offences against sacred sites.
About the role
The CEO of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority is the statutory head responsible for regulating the protection of Aboriginal sacred sites across the Northern Territory under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989. The role provides independent advice to the Minister and the AAPA Board, balancing the aspirations of Aboriginal and other Territorians for cultural, social, and economic advancement while ensuring compliance with the Act.
Key responsibilities:
- Provide high-level cultural, legal, and legislative advice to the Minister and the AAPA Board, maintaining statutory independence.
- Lead the organisation’s operations across anthropology, research, policy, governance, compliance, litigation, and financial management.
- Build and manage strategic relationships with Aboriginal custodians, land councils, government, industry, and peak bodies to balance cultural protection with economic development.
- Oversee compliance, prosecutions, and advocacy, ensuring the highest standards of integrity and independence.
- Drive organisational performance, financial sustainability, and innovation in sacred site protection for the benefit of all Territorians.
Why work for the Northern Territory Government
The Northern Territory Government offers an outstanding opportunity for candidates seeking senior leadership roles. With a clear agenda and a strong political mandate, the Territory Government has outlined three major strategies that set the direction for the years ahead: Rebuilding the Economy, Restoring the Territory Lifestyle, and Reducing Crime. Together, these strategies provide the foundation for a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Northern Territory—a place where more people want to live, work, visit, and invest.
Rebuilding the Economy
Driving growth, jobs, and investment by enabling industry development, delivering strategic infrastructure, and unlocking opportunities across key sectors.
Restoring the Territory Lifestyle
Enhancing liveability by strengthening health, housing, education, recreation, and community outcomes that directly impact Territorians.
How to apply
Davidson is pleased to be partnering with the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority in the recruitment for the CEO role. All applications and enquiries should be directed to Davidson.
You can make an application by uploading a current resume together with a covering letter via the job advertisement below.
The Authority acknowledges the First Nations people throughout the Northern Territory who have a continuing, powerful connection to this land and its waters. We thank all the Aboriginal people with whom we work, and who help the Authority to protect our sacred sites for all Australians. The Authority pays its respects to the many Aboriginal custodians of country and to our leaders past, present and emerging.
