Mr Mifsud, 42, was announced as executive director of Aboriginal Victoria, formerly Aboriginal Affairs, by the state government on Thursday.

The former Koroit premiership coach said his work with the AFL in indigenous and multicultural affairs had stood him in good stead for the challenges that lie ahead.

“I’m under no illusion of the challenges that lie ahead,” he said.

“My first aim is to get a premiership team underneath me. I’m going in with my eyes wide open. There are really significant challenges ahead.

“I’m a young fella from Ellerslie and I’ve been given a great work ethic and valuable grounding through family values and I’m fortunate to be in this position.”

Mr Mifsud said one of his first priorities was to reset the relationship between Aboriginal communities and the state government.

He said it was important to establish a shared narrative and build the hope of Aboriginal people.

Mr Mifsud said it was also crucial to have practical goals and he was passionate about refocusing and reforming public policy, whether that be around community safety, jobs or education. 

“It’s clear that what that means is spending time with Aboriginal communities,” he said.

Mr Mifsud said he was also committed to creating private investment opportunities for Aboriginal people which would in turn benefit the community as a whole. He said it was also important to bring Aboriginal culture and customs to life and re-affirm their collective identity.

Mr Mifsud said Australia had made some big steps in addressing racism and the nation’s history but more work was needed.

He said he had an unbreakable belief that if Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people worked together towards reconciliation then change was possible.

“The fact is denial hasn’t worked for the last 220 years and it isn’t going to work for the next 220 years,” he said.