Chief Executive

Dr David Ritchie has worked in the Northern Territory Public Sector for 27 years, 18 of these he has held the position of Chief Executive in the Northern Territory.  Mr Ritchie is currently the longest serving Chief Executive in the Northern Territory Government.

Mr Ritchie has most recently been Chief Executive of the Department of Natural Resources, Environment and The Arts, a position he has held since its creation in July 2005.  During this time Mr Ritchie has been responsible for the progression of Parks Joint Management, through the Framework for the Futures Act and the recent establishment of the Territory’s Environment Protection Authority.

Since moving to the Territory in 1980, Mr Ritchie has gained extensive experience in working with Indigenous communities through his natural and cultural resource management roles.  He has also been responsible in the Northern Territory for overseeing the development of government’s Native Title Policy along with Housing and Remote Infrastructure.

Mr Ritchie was also Chief Executive of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority from 1990-2002.  Mr Ritchie sits on the Boards of the Northern Territory Land Corporation and the Conservation Land Corporation.  He is also a fellow of the Australian Anthropological Society and the Australian Institute of Company Directors.