FROM : AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO : RIO TINTO

WAS : ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS MINISTER NOW : EXECUTIVE-DIRECTOR

Ben Wyatt , retired from state parliament in March after a 15-year career that included time as Aboriginal Affairs Minister , where he helped reshape legislation to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage . Wyatt ’ s appointment as a non-executive director is timely as Rio Tinto seeks to rebuild its reputation with the communities it operates in following last year ’ s destruction of the Juukan Gorge rock shelters .

“ I have deep respect for the resources sector in Australia and have long been impressed with the professionalism and commitment demonstrated by Rio Tinto . I was deeply saddened and disappointed by the events at Juukan Gorge , but I am convinced that Rio Tinto is committed to changing its approach to cultural heritage issues and restoring its reputation , particularly in Australia and Western Australia . I am looking forward to working with the Board in building on the momentum for change generated by the new leadership team ”