Indigenous-Australians Welcome the Opportunity for Change

In the lead up to the October federal election, NIPAAC is calling on political parties and all voters to recognise that Indigenous-Australians need a voice, and to support the continuation of a reformed ATSIC.

"On Friday the procedurally unfair suspension of Geoff Clarke was reversed. We are now urging the Government to re-visit the unfair decision to disband ATSIC - the duly elected peak organisation that represents Indigenous-Australians," NIPAAC President Vicki-Ann Speechley- Golden announced.

"It's not too late for ATSIC to be renewed. An election gives the two major parties an opportunity to reconsider their policies regarding the dissolution of ATSIC, and it gives the public an opportunity to support Indigenous-Australian control of Indigenous-Australian affairs," Ms Speechley-Golden said.

"As a first step, the Government of the day needs to consider the reforms recommended as a result of the extensive review of ATSIC. The review was conducted at great expense to the public and provided sensible recommendations, but was entirely overlooked by the Coalition in its rush to silence Indigenous-Australian voices," Ms Speechley-Golden continued. NIPAAC is most concerned with the major loss of accountability that the dismantling of ATSIC involves.

"Who will oversee Government departments? Who will be responsible for Indigenous-Australian programs? Who will monitor their actions? Where are the benchmarks and targets? Where is the accountability?" Ms Speechley-Golden asked.

NIPAAC's continued support for Indigenous self-determination, and it opposition to the mainstreaming of Indigenous-Australian organisations and services is expressed by its refusal to recognise the dismantling of ATSIC.

"We still consider ATSIC the national voice for Indigenous-Australians and we look forward to working with a reformed and re-funded ATSIC in the future," Ms Speechley-Golden concluded.