Abstract:
In June 2005, the MInister for Indigenous Affairs, Amanda
Vanstone, announced that the Corporations (Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander) Bill 2005 (Cth) ('CATSIB')
would replace the Aboriginal Councils and Association: Act
1976 (Cth) ('ACAN). Senator Vanstone described the
CATSIB as a response to Indigenous demands for greater
scrutiny of community organisations:
Indigenous people expect their corporations to provide the
best possible services and they are sick and tired of bei~g
the victims of unscrupulous or incompetent administrators.
This Bill is an important part of the Government's reforms and
will ensure that Aboriginal people get a better deal and better
value for money'
This paper will argue that the CATSIB is more likely to
frustrate Indigenous organisations than deliver 'a better
deal'. Although the Bill has some positive features, it is a
complex regime that has the potential to usurp Indigenous
self-determination.
ThIS paper will be divided into two parts. Part One will
discuss the history of the ACAA and deficiencies identified
by various reviews. Part Two will analyse key provisions
of the CATSIB.
