By Undeadinc 
Benson Saulo is a name that resonates with both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in Australia, representing a rare combination of cultural heritage, resilience, and high-level diplomacy. As the first Indigenous Australian to be appointed as Consul-General to the United States, Saulo’s achievements transcend borders, breaking cultural and professional barriers. His journey from a rural upbringing in Tamworth, New South Wales, to becoming a pivotal figure in international relations and Indigenous leadership exemplifies not only individual success but also the advancement of Indigenous Australians in global affairs.
This article delves into the life, career, leadership philosophy, and legacy of Benson Saulo, covering everything from his early years to his current political and diplomatic role. Along the way, we explore the broader themes of Indigenous representation, economic empowerment, and youth leadership, key topics that Saulo has become synonymous with throughout his illustrious career.
The Early Years: Roots in Culture and Community
Born in the regional town of Tamworth, New South Wales, Benson Saulo’s early life was deeply embedded in both community and culture. Raised in a family with a strong foundation in faith and service, Saulo’s upbringing mirrored the values of resilience, community responsibility, and cultural pride. His father, a church minister, instilled in him a sense of duty to others, while his mother’s Indigenous heritage gave him a deep connection to the Wemba Wemba and Gunditjmara Aboriginal nations of Victoria. Saulo’s mixed heritage — both Aboriginal and Papua New Guinean — would later play a significant role in shaping his identity and leadership style.
From an early age, Saulo’s parents taught him to value education and to use his voice for good. It was these early teachings that would serve as the bedrock for his commitment to the Indigenous cause and youth empowerment. Saulo often speaks about how these formative years helped him navigate challenges in later life, particularly in overcoming the struggles of cultural identity and being a minority in predominantly non-Indigenous environments.
Professional Beginnings: Banking and Corporate Life
Saulo’s professional career began unexpectedly in the banking sector, where, at the age of just 15, he undertook a school-based traineeship at ANZ Bank. This early exposure to corporate life proved pivotal in shaping his future career trajectory. While Saulo faced cultural barriers in the predominantly white corporate environment, his determination and ability to navigate these spaces quickly led to his rise through the ranks. By his early 20s, Saulo had already progressed through several significant roles within ANZ Bank, from International Officer to Business Banking Manager.
Despite his success, Saulo faced the same challenges as many Indigenous professionals in corporate settings: the lack of representation, feelings of imposter syndrome, and the disconnection between his cultural identity and the work culture he was immersed in. However, instead of allowing these challenges to define him, Saulo used his experiences to develop his own unique leadership style — one that fused his cultural pride with his corporate acumen.
National Indigenous Youth Leadership
Saulo’s passion for advocacy and leadership truly began to take shape when he co-founded the National Indigenous Youth Leadership Academy (NIYLA) in 2012. The organization’s mission was simple yet profound: to empower Indigenous youth to become leaders, agents of change, and advocates for their communities. As the co-founder and key figure behind NIYLA, Saulo sought to address the gaps in leadership development for young Indigenous Australians.
The program has since helped hundreds of young Indigenous individuals gain confidence, build leadership skills, and make a tangible impact in their communities. NIYLA’s training programs cover everything from advocacy to community development, ensuring that Indigenous youth are well-equipped to take on roles of responsibility in various sectors, including politics, education, and business.
In addition to his work with NIYLA, Saulo also co-founded Mind Garden Projects, a not-for-profit organization focused on supporting education initiatives in New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea. This reflects Saulo’s ongoing commitment to cross-cultural collaboration and global Indigenous development, connecting Australian youth with global Indigenous communities.
UN Youth Representative: Breaking Barriers on the Global Stage
Benson Saulo’s rise to prominence took another significant leap in 2011, when he was selected as the Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations (UN). This appointment was not only a remarkable achievement for Saulo personally but also a historic one for Indigenous Australians, as he became the first Aboriginal person to hold this prestigious position.
During his tenure at the UN, Saulo represented Australian youth on a global stage, championing causes related to human rights, climate change, and youth empowerment. His role involved traveling across Australia, engaging with young people, listening to their concerns, and presenting their voices at the United Nations General Assembly. This position allowed Saulo to push for meaningful policy changes on behalf of Australia’s youth, especially those from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds.
The experience was pivotal in shaping Saulo’s understanding of the power of diplomacy and international relations. His time at the UN would also help him build relationships with key policymakers, Indigenous leaders, and diplomats, relationships that would serve him well in his future diplomatic role.
A Historic Appointment: Consul-General to the United States
Benson Saulo’s career reached a historic milestone in 2020, when he was appointed as Australia’s Consul-General to Houston, Texas. This made him the first Indigenous Australian to hold such a diplomatic position in the United States, a groundbreaking achievement that underscores the evolving role of Indigenous Australians in diplomacy.
As Consul-General, Saulo was responsible for overseeing Australia’s foreign policy and economic interests in the United States, focusing particularly on trade, investment, and international collaboration. In addition to managing diplomatic relations, Saulo worked tirelessly to promote Indigenous business initiatives on the global stage. His tenure was marked by a concerted effort to build economic bridges between Indigenous businesses in Australia and their counterparts in the U.S., an initiative aimed at increasing access to international markets for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Saulo’s diplomatic efforts were also focused on cultural exchange, fostering better understanding between Australia’s Indigenous communities and the broader American public. His time in Houston was defined by a commitment to representation, ensuring that Indigenous Australians had a seat at the table in global diplomatic conversations.
Leadership Philosophy: Cultural Confidence and Community Building
Throughout his career, Benson Saulo has adhered to a leadership philosophy that emphasizes cultural confidence, resilience, and community building. Saulo believes that effective leadership is rooted in one’s identity and heritage. His own leadership journey has been deeply influenced by his Indigenous background, as well as his experiences in both the corporate world and diplomatic circles.
One of Saulo’s core beliefs is that leadership should be about creating opportunities for others, particularly those from underrepresented communities. His work in youth leadership through NIYLA, as well as his advocacy for economic empowerment for Indigenous Australians, reflects his commitment to uplifting his community and ensuring that future generations have access to the same opportunities that he was fortunate to receive.
Saulo’s cultural confidence is evident in the way he navigates spaces traditionally dominated by non-Indigenous leaders. He has often spoken about the importance of maintaining a strong sense of cultural identity while simultaneously participating in the broader societal framework. According to Saulo, this balance of cultural pride and professional success is essential for creating lasting change.
Economic Empowerment: Indigenous-Led Development
Saulo’s work has also focused extensively on economic empowerment for Indigenous Australians. As a strategic advisor to First Australians Capital, Saulo has played a pivotal role in advocating for Indigenous economic sovereignty. His work with the organization, which is dedicated to funding and supporting Indigenous-led enterprises, underscores his belief that economic empowerment is key to achieving broader social equity.
By supporting Indigenous businesses and providing them with the resources and opportunities to thrive, Saulo aims to create long-term wealth and self-sufficiency for Indigenous communities. His work in this area is not just about financial success but about fostering a sense of self-reliance and agency among Indigenous Australians. Saulo has been vocal about the importance of access to capital, entrepreneurship, and enterprise development as critical drivers of economic independence.
Political Aspirations: A New Chapter in Leadership
In recent years, Saulo’s career has shifted toward the political arena, where he has leveraged his deep experience in diplomacy, public policy, and economic development. In 2025, Saulo announced that he would run for the federal seat of Macnamara as a candidate for the Liberal Party. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in his leadership journey, one that aims to bring his unique perspective to national governance.
As a political candidate, Saulo’s platform emphasizes policies focused on economic development, global diplomacy, and social equity. He is committed to fostering greater inclusion for Indigenous Australians in political decision-making and ensuring that their voices are heard at the highest levels of government.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Leadership and Change
Benson Saulo’s legacy is one of profound leadership, marked by groundbreaking achievements in international diplomacy, Indigenous advocacy, and economic empowerment. From his early days in banking to his role as Consul-General to the United States and now his political aspirations, Saulo has consistently demonstrated that cultural confidence, community building, and resilience are the cornerstones of effective leadership.
Saulo’s work has not only changed the landscape of Indigenous representation in Australia and abroad but also paved the way for future generations of Indigenous leaders to follow in his footsteps. His story is one of hope, possibility, and the belief that with the right support and opportunities, Indigenous Australians can make an impact on a global scale.
In the years to come, it’s clear that Benson Saulo’s influence will continue to grow, shaping the future of Indigenous leadership and global diplomacy in ways we have yet to fully realize.