The North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency Ltd (NAAJA) has reached a settlement with its former chief executive officer, Ms Priscilla Atkins, in relation to adverse action proceedings in the Federal Court.

As part of the settlement, Ms Atkins, resigned as chief executive officer of NAAJA on 28 February 2025.

The other terms of the settlement are confidential, and both parties have agreed not to make further comment on the details of the settlement.

In Atkins v North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency Ltd [2024] FCA 686, the Federal Court made findings in June 2024 that, between November 2022 and February 2023, NAAJA took unlawful adverse action against Ms Atkins and contravened the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

The settlement marks a conclusion to the legal dispute between NAAJA and Ms Atkins.

‘We are pleased to have resolved this matter in a way that allows both NAAJA and Ms Atkins to move forward,’ said NAAJA chairperson, Theresa Roe. ‘While the legal process has been difficult, we believe the settlement provides a constructive resolution for all involved.’

In recent months NAAJA has introduced a new constitution, elected new member directors and appointed independent directors, implemented new finance and human resource systems, appointed a new chief financial officer and a new human resources manager, and undertaken recruitment to all vacant positions. Most importantly, since August 2024, NAAJA has provided legal representation to all Aboriginal people in criminal courts across the Northern Territory, unless they choose not to instruct NAAJA or there is a conflict of interest, and 82% of NAAJA’s Throughcare clients from 2024 have not reoffended when released from prison.

NAAJA is focussed on its objective of delivering high quality legal and support services to Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory.

NAAJA will shortly commence recruitment for a new chief executive.

Media contact

Comments in this media release other than direct quotes can be attributed to a NAAJA spokesperson.

Anthony Beven, 0419 218 518, anthony.beven@naaja.org.au