14: Leilani Bin-juda PSM talks about community and life on Thursday Island

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This Abundant Life

Society & Culture


In this episode, Kirsti and Serina chat with Leilani Bin-Juda PSM about life on Thursday Island, about the resilience of women in her Indigenous community, and the cost of a loaf of bread (and blueberries). Since this interview was recorded, the Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Honourable Ken Wyatt MP, has announced her appointment as the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  She is the first woman to be appointed to this role.  Congratulations Leilani! In 2019, Ms Bin-Juda was awarded a Public Service Medal for promoting Indigenous heritage in Australia’s cultural and foreign policies. She is a career officer with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and has previously served overseas as First Secretary (Political/Gender/Sports Diplomacy), Papua New Guinea; Adviser (Economic Governance) to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands; and Manager of Australia’s Cultural Program at the Shanghai World Expo 2010. She is currently the Treaty Liaison Officer on Thursday Island and is responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the Australia-Papua New Guinea Torres Strait Treaty. Ms Bin-Juda holds degrees in Business, Cultural Heritage, Public Policy and International Relations. Show notes: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Diplomacy at ANU