CLC welcomes ATSIC reform
CLC Chairman Kunmanara Breaden says the Federal Labor Party's proposal to replace ATSIC with a new national body will be a boost to the morale of Indigenous people throughout Australia
"ATSIC has had enormous expectations put on it since its inception and had absolutely no way of fulfilling them," he said.
"Our input into the review of ATSIC submission last year supported a transparent, accountable national body composed of diverse Aboriginal interests with the skills and expertise to provide a powerful and cohesive national voice.
"We also believe that direct funding to responsible regional bodies - with solid mechanisms for good governance - is the best way to deliver programs on the ground.
Mr Breaden said that the peak national body should be an interface between indigenous groups, communities and organisations on one hand and governments at national and regional levels on the other.
"In the Northern Territory in particular, we need a body which is composed of key Territory Aboriginal interests which could play a strong advocacy and coordinating role," he said.
"However, no one organisation should be seen as the be all and end all of Aboriginal self-management.
"I think the time is well overdue to embrace a fresh start by both sides of government whereby all Commonwealth and state agencies can be held accountable for delivering appropriate services to Indigenous people," Mr Breaden said .
31 March 2004
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