National Indigenous Council

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Not to be confused with Indigenous Advisory Council.

The National Indigenous Council (NIC) was an appointed advisory body to the

Ministerial Taskforce on Indigenous Affairs (MTF) chaired by Mal Brough), and wound up in early 2008. It was chaired by Sue Gordon, a Western Australian
magistrate.

History

NIC was established as a government-appointed 14-member advisory body, subsequent to the abolition of the

federal cabinet in April 2004 had used the word "replace" several times.[2]

NIC first met on 8–9 December 2004.[3] It was supposed to run until 31 December 2007.[2]

A government inquiry into the demise of ATSIC recommended in March 2005 "that the NIC be a temporary body, to exist only until a proper national, elected representative body is in place".[1]

On 15 January 2008, the

Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, announced that the NIC would be wound up. The news was largely welcomed by Indigenous Australians.[2][4]

Functions

The terms of reference of the council were to provide expert advice to government on improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians. It would report to the

Ministerial Taskforce on Indigenous Affairs (MTA), and would support the work of the MTA to develop "strategies which would improve the delivery of services to Indigenous Australians".[5] It was not involved in specific funding proposals or in the planning of proposals being undertaken in individual communities. While it was regarded as the principal source of advice to the government, other bodies and individuals would also be consulted by the government.[6]

According to Minister

welfare dependence. Gordon indicated that Aboriginal domestic violence would be a top priority.[7]

Members

The first 14 members appointed were:[5]

Commentary

The appointment of the National Indigenous Council sparked controversy both among Indigenous leaders and politicians. Former

Aboriginal football player Michael Long turned down a position on the board.[7]

References

  1. ^
    ISBN 0-642-71501-7
    .
  2. ^ a b c Tarczynski, Stephen de (16 March 2008). "RIGHTS-AUSTRALIA: Concerns Over New Indigenous People's Body". Inter Press Service. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
  3. S2CID 241897048
    .
  4. ^ Calma, Tom (4 June 2008). "Sustainable options for Australia's new national Indigenous representative body". Australian Human Rights Commission. Speech from a Native Title conference.
  5. ^ a b Vanstone, Amanda. "National Indigenous Council appointed". The Hon Mal Brough MP. Archived from the original on 9 October 2007.
  6. ^ "National Indigenous Council". The Hon Mal Brough MP. Archived from the original on 30 October 2007.
  7. ^ a b "Australian Government Announcement of new Indigenous Council Sparks Debate". Cultural Survival. 2004. Retrieved 5 February 2021.
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