The Troubled Legacy: Charles Lynch’s Tenure as Northern Region Councillor

Is Charles Lynch the worst Councillor in Northern Region’s History?

It’s difficult to pass a definitive judgment on the performance of Charles Lynch without sufficient information and transparency, which unfortunately seems to be lacking within the NSW Aboriginal Land Council… but based on the available information, here is what we can gather.

Councillor Charles Lynch has made a striking admission that sets him apart from his predecessors in the Northern Region.

He openly acknowledges that, during his tenure, he has witnessed the unfortunate placement of a Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) under administration – an unprecedented occurrence in the last two decades.

This revelation raises questions about his leadership and ability to effectively manage the affairs of the LALCs in his region and the admission begs further examination of the circumstances surrounding this unprecedented event and calls for a deeper understanding of the impact it has had on the communities affected.

It is a matter of great concern that under Councillor Lynch’s watch, an LALC has encountered such a significant setback, requiring outside intervention and potentially impacting the rights and well-being of Aboriginal communities.

And while specific data on high-risk LALCs in the region isn’t publicly available, it is believed that at least four LALCs in the region are currently facing significant challenges for various reasons.

Thanks Dean only RCLALC has an administrator their are 14 LALCS in  Northern Region this is the first Administrators appointment on this Region for almost twenty years I don’t have current figures on High Risk LALCS but believe four which can be for various reasons

Charles Lynch, Councillor for Northern Region at the NSW Aboriginal Land Council

So over the past two terms, spanning approximately eight years, he has held the position of overseeing the Northern Region and interestingly, this marks the first time in at least 20 years that a LALC has been placed into administration.

Prior to his appointment, the 14 Local Aboriginal Land Councils within the region were reportedly operating efficiently and effectively without the need for an Administrator…

These circumstances raise important questions regarding the effectiveness and impact of this Councillor’s tenure and it prompts a closer examination of the factors contributing to the challenges faced by high-risk LALCs in the region and the councillor’s role in addressing these issues.

The need for transparency, accountability, and improved governance practices within the NSW Aboriginal Land Council system is evident for effective management and the overall success of the council’s initiatives.

And while Councillor Charles Lynch was actively engaged in international meetings at the United Nations alongside fellow members of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, the LALCs within his own region faced significant challenges.

Regrettably, it appears that Councillor Lynch did not prioritise the necessary efforts to restore the functionality and effectiveness of LALCs such as the Red Chief LALC and others in his region, which are vital for supporting and empowering local Aboriginal communities.

This raises concerns about the allocation of resources, attention, and support to address the pressing needs and aspirations of Aboriginal communities within his jurisdiction.

Are you going to vote for Charles Lynch again?

Who will receive your vote in the upcoming 2023 NSW Aboriginal Land Council elections? Will you choose to re-elect Charles for another four-year term, or are you looking for a candidate who represents change and new possibilities?

Your vote can make a difference in shaping the future of the Land Council and its impact on Aboriginal communities.

And while it’s easy for an Aboriginal “leader” to talk about change and making a positive difference, true leadership is measured by the ability to execute and deliver tangible results. It requires more than just words; it demands action and a genuine commitment to the well-being of the community.

While it may be tempting to fall for empty promises and grandiose speeches, it is essential to assess a Councillor’s track record and their ability to follow through on their commitments.

Talk is cheap, but actions speak volumes.

Dean Foley