Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, said Indigenous Australians had lost a true pioneer in the passing of Leigh 'Tracker' Tilmouth at the weekend, at the age of 62.

Minister Scullion said Tracker dedicated himself to improving the lives of Indigenous people and fought fearlessly against negative attitudes and racism towards them.

"Born in The Gap in Alice Springs, Tracker was raised on Croker Island and went on to study in South Australia gaining a degree in science and natural resource management," the Minister said

"He later helped establish the Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Service and Health Service and served as the Director of the Central Land Council."

"Tracker was someone who stood up for countrymen at every turn, he was a fighter for the mob and a very generous man who also very clever and very insightful."

"Tracker has always been there, always in the middle of it and he will be sorely missed by all Indigenous people.  It was a real pleasure knowing him as long as I did."

"His passing is a great loss."

Tracker is survived by his wife Kathy and three daughters.