Our Leadership Team

Tony has nearly four decades experience working with First Nations people across the country. He is passionately committed to ensuring First Nations people have their rights and interests respected and self-determination recognised. 

His ability to collaborate with people to find solutions to complex problems under rapidly shifting circumstances is second to none. Tony brings together a history of managerial and field experience that encompasses environmental science, community development and law. These are skills that combined with his emotional intelligence; empathy and professionalism create a perfect combination in the role as CEO. 

Nisha joined First Nations Legal and Research Services in 2016 after previously working as a commercial lawyer at Ashurst and solicitor advising the coroner at the Coroners Court of Victoria.   She has a wide range of social justice experience and prior to her work with First Nations communities, Nisha served culturally and linguistically diverse communities at community legal centres such as Redfern Legal Centre and Fitzroy Legal Service and through community run programs.   

Nisha also undertook work with a civil rights organisation advocating for Sikh American rights in New York, through her International Human Rights and Social Justice masters. Nisha is passionate about serving the First Nations community in Victoria and in her current role as co-Principal Legal Officer, is excited to continue this important work.

Shenali is an international human rights lawyer who has worked in numerous overseas jurisdictions. Her experience covers international criminal and human rights litigation, advising victims of human rights abuses, overseeing the collection of evidence of conflict-related mass atrocity crimes, and law and policy research into criminal justice reforms for and beyond post-war transitional justice.  Shenali brings legal experience ranging across the spectrum from a highly structured core governmental context to human rights NGOs, and a fluid and intensive post-war field work context. Prior to joining First Nations Legal and Research Services in 2023 as a Managing Lawyer, Shenali worked in the community mental health sector and class action settlements.   Shenali is committed to contributing to society by supporting people in their pursuits of justice through legal and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.

James is an anthropologist specialising in Victorian Aboriginal culture and history. James holds a PhD from LaTrobe University and has worked with Aboriginal communities across Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and Tasmania. He has worked on native title claims across the state, producing expert reports and assisting the Federal Court in mediation processes. James has worked for First Nations Legal and Research Services since 2017 and is an anthropologist and research manager. 

Ken has worked at First Nations Legal and Research Services for 20 years. Over the years he has performed a variety of roles across the organisation. Ken joined the management team as Corporate Services Manager in January 2019, primarily working with the Community Liaison Officers. 

Since joining First Nations Legal and Research Services in 2017, Rania has leveraged her 20+ years of experience in the not-for-profit sector, both domestically and internationally. As both Operations Manager and Senior Accountant, she plays a vital role in ensuring the organisation’s financial well-being and operational efficiency. 

Rania is also the Company Secretary, she provides essential support to the Board of Directors, ensuring smooth governance and strategic decision-making.