Hugh is the head of Australia’s largest Aboriginal legal service and handles around $30million in federal funding. But behind this photo is a dark history

The head of an Aboriginal legal service that receives $30 million a year in government funding has a dark past of shocking abuse and has no legal qualifications.

North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA) chairman Hugh Woodbury has been called upon to resign after it emerged He attacked his pregnant partner by standing on her stomach.

Mr Woodbury, 42, also slammed her arm against a door and called her a “c***” in front of their two-year-old child in the 2020 incident.

Despite serving a 12-month suspended sentence and being fined $200 without being convicted, he was hired by the NAAJA as its chief in March of this year.

In the sentencing decisions made in October 2020 and reported by The AustralianJudge Greg Borchers described Mr. Woodbury as “someone who doesn’t stick to one job.”

“I don’t know how to judge that you have had so many jobs and never had one,” said Judge Borchers.

‘Almost all lawyers in this courthouse have one task: that of lawyer.

“You’ve had so many jobs and you’ve never stuck with any of them, apart from a long stint at Parks and Wildlife… That’s an example of someone who doesn’t stick with what they want to do.”

Judge Borchers said no conviction would be made because Woodbury’s partner had said: ‘You are very supportive of her… you are a good father and you need help.’

He added: ‘I understand that at some point you may consider pursuing a law degree.’

The violence Woodbury used against his partner and his lack of qualifications have led to a backlash against his appointment.

‘Indigenousness cannot be the only thing on their resume, and they cannot be hired because they happen to be interested in the job or available,’ Liberal Senator Kerrynne Liddle said:

She pointed out that NAAJA services were shut down earlier this year after dozens of staff went missing and Aboriginal suspects had to defend themselves in court.

“This is an organisation that should be helping the most vulnerable people and they are failing to do that,” Ms Liddle said.

The South Australian senator called on both the federal and Northern Territory governments to withdraw funding from NAAJA.

Mr Woodbury, the chair of the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency (NAAJA), has been called upon to resign after it emerged he assaulted his pregnant partner by standing on her stomach. The NAAJA building in Darwin is pictured

An agency spokesman defended Mr Woodbury, saying he “understands the needs of our communities”.

“He is young, smart and passionate about strengthening Aboriginal communities. We need more young Aboriginal people in leadership roles, not fewer.”

The NAAJA spokesman said Mr Woodbury had “extensive experience in the legal and social services sector in the Territory, having worked as an Indigenous Family Liaison Officer at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and as a Social Rights Officer at the then Central Australian Legal Service”.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted NAAJA for further comment.