Independent MLA Thomas Emerson has called on the chief minister to order a formal investigation into allegations senior ACT public servants blocked work on commitments to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Mr Emerson said the matter should be examined after claims by former head of the ACT Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Brendan Moyle that senior officials within the ACT Public Service obstructed progress on government commitments and ignored concerns about the psychosocial impact on First Nations staff.

Mr Moyle’s concerns became public after documents obtained through a freedom of information request by Mr Emerson revealed he had raised the issues internally for more than two years before resigning in November 2025.

Mr Emerson said the chief minister should refer the allegations to an oversight body such as the ACT Integrity Commission, the ACT Ombudsman or the Public Sector Standards Commissioner for a formal investigation with public findings.

Several First Nations leaders have backed the call.

Canberra community leader Joe Hedger said the issues raised should concern anyone serious about improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

He said rebuilding trust would require a proper investigation and accountability.

Former ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elected Body chair Tanya Keed said her experience engaging with government left her feeling that the voices of First Nations representatives were often sidelined.

“There were many moments of frustration and despair,” she said, adding there needed to be genuine commitment to progressing Closing the Gap targets.

Former ATSIEB deputy chair Paula McGrady said the allegations reflected difficulties she experienced trying to advance commitments under the ACT’s Closing the Gap agreements.

“The agreements articulate how to address the disadvantage we experience as First Nations people,” she said.

”We are the experts on our lives and we want to close the gap more than anyone. We can no longer just be advising; we have to be the decision-makers.

”In such a small jurisdiction as the ACT, with a democratically elected voice for our community, why are we still experiencing racism at such harmful levels, both overtly and institutionally?

”We need to see improvements in life outcomes that give us hope for the next generation. There has to be accountability for those standing in the way of progress for our people.”

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