Key points

• New APY general manager Trent Wilkinson says sacking breached code of conduct

• Lawyers for Mr Wilkinson have said his position still stands

• 'Sacking' follows APY governance issues, a police raid and independent inquiry

Governance issues have re-emerged at APY Lands after its new general manager was sacked in controversial circumstances by board chairman Bernard Singer this week.

Senior APY figures said Trent Wilkinson — whose appointment six months ago raised hopes the dysfunctional board could emerge from years of governance issues under long-term predecessor Richard King — had engaged legal counsel to challenge the decision on several fronts which allegedly contravened APY regulations.

The APY board had been in disarray for years, prompting an independent inquiry by conciliator Greg Rooney.

Mr Rooney's inquiry found the recruitment process for a new general manager in breach of the APY code of conduct, leading to the board's suspension in August, before it was reinstated in December after Mr Wilkinson's appointment.

A Traditional Owner and prominent SA Indigenous business identity told National Indigenous Times this week it was time SA Premier Peter Malanouskas intervened and resolved ongoing governance issues.

"He needs to ensure transparency and good governance at the organisation," they told National Indigenous Times after failed reform efforts by deputy leader and SA Indigenous Affairs minister Kyam Maher.

The appointment of Mr Wilkinson — a senior Indigenous governance and community development leader — promised a "renewed chapter" for the APY Lands, after its formal period of administration ended on December 4.

The announcement by the APY — established as a body corporate constituted by the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land Rights Act 1981 — said Mr Wilkinson's "vast experience and ability to deliver community-led outcomes would underpin a stable, transparent and future-focused" organisation.

"With a lifelong commitment to land, culture and heritage conservation, I am humbled by the opportunity to work alongside the APY Executive Board and staff to protect and strengthen the natural and cultural values of the 103,000 square kilometres that make up the APY Lands," Mr Wilkinson said.

"It's clear there is pride, passion and determination here, and I look forward to contributing to a positive future for the Anangu not yet born."

Following the announcement, Mr Wilkinson said his first priority was for a strong and confident APY Executive Board, backed by consistent governance, operational stability and measurable outcomes for communities.

"My focus will be on opening new pathways for Anangu to live, work and build careers on country, while ensuring cultural authority remains at the centre of decision-making," he said.

Mr Wilkinson did not comment on his sacking, with his lawyers deeming the action in breach of the APY Lands code of conduct and telling Mr Singer's lawyers their client was still APY's general manager.

'Sacking' follows police raid, financial inquiry

In late November, SA police raided the administration office of the APY Lands in Umuwa, removing boxes of documentation and instructing staff to vacate the premises.

The police investigation followed the exit of previous general manager Mr King, after an independent inquiry found the recruitment process for a new general manager was in breach of APY Lands code of conduct.

The raids came just days after National Indigenous Times revealed a SA parliamentary inquiry examining governance and alleged corruption issues in APY Lands was stifled at the eleventh hour.

A Budget and Finance Parliamentary briefing note seen by National Indigenous Times detailed some of quashed inquiry's scope, including allegations of corruption, maladministration, and constitutional irregularities in the governance of the APY Lands.

At the time, APY's Executive Board was under control of government appointee and administrator Austin Taylor after being suspended last August over governance concerns detailed in Mr Rooney's report.

Mr Rooney's report uncovered several issues at the organisation, noting the board and related agencies had suffered instability and loss of local control since 2010 due to governance, capability and regulatory oversight.

The APY Executive Board, comprised of 14 members representing the seven electorates within the APY Lands, oversees key matters such as land management, infrastructure, mining, and other community priorities.

The region in the remote northwest of South Australia is home to Traditional Owners from the Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, and Ngaanyatjarra peoples.