He has played a major role in supporting the Ngarrindjeri nation in research and community development including the development of two native title claim applications and the establishment of the Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority (the Ngarrindjeri Nations peak body). Between 1995 and 2001 Steve was a key witness in a Royal Commission and several court cases associated with the Hindmarsh Island Bridge issues. Steve acted as anthropologist/historian for the Ngarrindjeri nation in the development and submission of two native title claims. Since 2000 Steve has had growing opportunities to engage in research through ongoing collaborations with Indigenous communities.