ABC appoints Kelly Williams as inaugural director of First Nations strategy

Australian public broadcaster the ABC has officially appointed Kelly Williams to the newly created role of director of First Nations strategy.

Kelly Williams

Williams has a 36-year management and editorial history with the broadcaster and most recently served as head of indigenous, diversity and inclusion.

She was appointed acting director of First Nations strategy last October following a critical report into racism at the organisation, titled Listen Loudly, Act Strongly.

With her official appointment now confirmed, Williams becomes the first Indigenous woman to join the ABC leadership team.

ABC said Williams has been instrumental in driving inclusivity across the organisation, co-ordinating its last three reconciliation action plans and the 2023-2026 diversity, inclusion and belonging plan.

Williams also led the strategic partnerships between the ABC and First Nations Media Australia and First Languages Australia.

ABC chief Hugh Marks said Williams would “play a key role continuing to build on the significant change underway at the ABC to improve our workplaces and fully represent the Australian community.”

The Listen Loudly, Act Strongly report presented 15 recommendations to improve the ABC’s systems and processes and combat racism, including the appointment of an elder-in-residence (EIR), with Professor Jackie Huggins taking on the role earlier this year.