Elders call for overhaul of 'tokenistic' governance on APY Lands

A group of elders on South Australia's remote Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands are demanding a significant reform of the region's governance structure, asserting that the current model is failing to deliver genuine self-determination for the Aṉangu people.

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tokenistic, disempowering and [did] not reflect genuine self-determination for Aṉangu people

Donald Fraser, an elder from the Pukatja community, described the existing system as "tokenistic, disempowering and [does] not reflect genuine self-determination for Aṉangu people." He has put forward a proposal to repeal the APY Land Rights Act and transfer governing authority from the current executive board to an overseeing Aboriginal corporation. Under this plan, community councils in each township would become the "primary decision-makers," ensuring local priorities are addressed.

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absurd and totally improbable in every respect

However, the APY Lands board has strongly rejected the proposal, labeling it "absurd and totally improbable in every respect." This call for change occurs during a turbulent period for the APY Lands, which underwent a three-month administration period last year. Trent Wilkinson was appointed general manager in December 2025, but governance was disrupted in May when the board purportedly sacked him. Wilkinson alleged he was the target of a conspiracy for financial gain and maintained his dismissal was unlawful, while the board chairperson insisted he was properly removed and an interim manager is now in place.

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I am speaking on behalf of many Aṉangu who are sick and tired of this failed system

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kyam Maher stated the government is working with the current leadership but declined to comment on the dispute, calling it an "employment difference of opinion and dispute." The current governance model, established under the Land Rights Act, features an executive board of 14 members. Fraser argues that a statutory board cannot achieve self-determination and cannot replace the authority of elders, families, and communities. His proposal envisions his advisory group, registered as Warraritja Aboriginal Corporation, operating alongside individual community councils.

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A statutory board cannot deliver self-determination. It cannot replace the authority of our elders, families, communities and homelands.