'I won't be a yes man': Co-chair of ACT Reconciliation council resigns

Selina Walker says there has been a failure to take practical steps towards reconciliation. (ABC News: Simon Beardsell)

ACT Reconciliation Council co-chair Selina Walker has resigned, saying the territory government is failing on First Nations policy.

Her departure has been made public as the ACT marks today's Reconciliation Day public holiday — a key event the council provides advice on.

It follows the resignation of Brendan Moyle, the former head of the ACT Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, who stood down at the end of last year.

The co-chair of the ACT Reconciliation Council, Selina Walker, has resigned, saying she has lost faith in the territory government's approach to Indigenous affairs.

Ms Walker was the only Ngunnawal representative on the body, which has advised the government since 2018 on how to progress reconciliation.

"The decisions that I've seen over the past 12 to 18 months [do] not align with my morals and values nor the morals and values of my elders that have taught me."

Ms Walker said there had been a failure to take practical steps towards reconciliation, citing a lack of progress on the Ngunnawal Bush Healing Farm, management of the Boomanalla Oval, and broader funding decisions.

"I feel incredibly disrespected, not only as a Ngunnawal traditional owner, but as a co-chair of the Reconciliation Council," she said.

Selina Walker was named the ACT Local Hero in 2024 for her kinship care, advocacy and extensive community work. (Supplied: NADC/Salty Dingo)

Ms Walker's resignation has been made public as the territory marks today's Reconciliation Day public holiday — a key event the council provides advice on.

Jaharn grew up in foster care from 2-years of age. Now 19, he and his foster Mum share their lessons of love.

"Ms Walker … contributed significantly to the development of the Reconciliation Day event," the spokesperson said.

Suzanne Orr has thanked Selina Walker for her time as co-chair of the ACT Reconciliation Council. (ABC News: Luke Stephenson)

Today, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister Suzanne Orr said she was "very grateful" for Ms Walker's contribution to the council, and that she would continue working on the issues she raised.

"I appreciate Selina has raised a number of issues with a broad range of topics within the ACT government remit, including around health, and she's had quite a public campaign out for that," she said.

Ms Walker served eight years on the ACT Reconciliation Council, and had been a founding member.

Her advocacy, extensive community work and kinsh