Melissa Clarke

Melissa Clarke is a proud Ngarrindjeri, Kaurna, and Wirangu woman and the General Manager of NATSILS, the national peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services. She brings more than 25 years’ experience across justice, child protection, and Aboriginal community advocacy. Melissa began her career as a police officer with South Australia Police including specialising in domestic and family violence, working directly with women, children, families and communities to improve safety outcomes. She has since led major policy, leadership, and reform initiatives across government and the community-controlled sector. Melissa is deeply committed to advancing Aboriginal self-determination, embedding culturally intelligent practice, and improving justice outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.