Uncle Mick Gooda
Mick Gooda’s roots are embedded in both the Yiman and Ghangulu peoples of Central Queensland and has dedicated his career to advocating for the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Appointed as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner in February 2010, Mick Gooda played a pivotal role in advancing policy and reform. During his tenure, he led the Close the Gap campaign, which focused on improving health, education, and employment outcomes for Indigenous Australians. He was instrumental in supporting the development of the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples, ensuring Indigenous voices had a stronger platform in national conversations.
In September 2016, Gooda’s expertise and commitment saw him appointed Co-Commissioner for the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory. In this role, he helped expose systemic failings, brought national attention to the treatment of Indigenous youth, and contributed to recommendations for significant reforms in child protection and juvenile justice systems. His most recent formal position was Co-Chair of the Interim Truth and Treaty Body which was tasked with maintaining the momentum on the Path to Treaty in Queensland.