Mr Sam Jeffries is a proud First Nation’s man, having strong connections to Moorawarri and Wiradjuri Peoples of southwest and northwest NSW. Born and raised in Brewarrina NSW, he is the youngest of seven children and he has been involved in Aboriginal Affairs since leaving school. Sam has spent practically all his life in north-western NSW, having long term involvement in the development of responsible leadership, community development, and developing regional and community governance models. After the abolition of ATSIC and the Regional Councils, Sam successfully negotiated the continued involvement of Aboriginal people as partners with Australian and NSW governments in the Murdi Paaki COAG Trial from 2002–07.

Sam has co-authored two Indigenous policy journals on Indigenous Community Governance and Leadership, published by Jumbunna Indigenous House of Learning, University of Technology Sydney, written papers on national representation, and written and presented many speeches on public policy matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Sam is currently employed as First Assistant Secretary Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet as a Special Advisor Regional Governance and leading Engagement and Delivery for the Closing the Gap Refresh Agenda through national consultations.