He is notable for his long-term role in the development of the contemporary Aboriginal art market.
[3] Adrian Newstead served as the head of Aboriginal art for the Lawson-Menzies auction house from 2003 to 2007, facilitating among other sales the purchase of Emily Kame Kngwarreye’s "Earth's Creation" for $1,056,000 in 2007.
[6] As a commentator he has been vocal on a number of issues including the Resale Royalty Scheme.
[7] In 2016, Newstead received an Order of Australia Medal "for service to the museum and galleries sector, particularly through the promotion of Indigenous arts.
"[8][9] The same year he organised the first touring exhibition of Australian Aboriginal art in South America, O Tempo dos Sonhos, along with Indigenous curator Djon Mundine and Brazilian curator Clay D'Paula.