Experience paves the way for Department of Indigenous Affairs

The Department of Indigenous Affairs in Western Australia will gain an experienced leader with the appointment of a new Director General.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Michelle Roberts today announced Patrick Walker as Director General of the Department of Indigenous Affairs.

“Mr Walker has almost a decade of experience serving as WA’s Commissioner for Consumer Protection,” Mrs Roberts said.

Mr Walker was appointed as Chief Executive and Commissioner for the Ministry of Fair Trading in 1998.  He led the reorganisation of the Ministry, which later became part of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection in 2001, where he served as Commissioner for Consumer Protection.

Mr Walker was nominated as a Commissioner with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in February this year.

“We are very fortunate that Mr Walker is returning to his home State to continue his work with the State Government,” the Minister said.

In his new role, Mr Walker will chair the Directors General Group for Indigenous Affairs. The Directors General group includes all State Government departments that deliver services to Aboriginal people, including health, education and child protection.

“The Directors General Group reports to the Cabinet Standing Committee on Indigenous Affairs, which is chaired by myself,” Mrs Roberts said.

“The State Government remains committed to improving the lives of indigenous Western Australians.”