Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website contains the names and images of people who have passed
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this website contains the names and images of people who have passed
This is an out of scope recommendation
189
Consider constituting ATSIC as an employing authority
That the Commonwealth Government give consideration to constituting ATSIC as an employing authority independent of the Australian Public Service.
Aboriginal Justice Caucus Assessment
The Aboriginal Justice Caucus confirmed that Recommendation 189 was no longer relevant.
It's not relevant. I mean, ATSIC’s long gone.
(Marion Hansen, Co-chairperson, Aboriginal Justice Caucus and former ATSIC Commissioner)
Background
At the time of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) was being established. While the Commissioners were supportive of ATSIC as a formal mechanism for involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the processes of government affecting their lives, they identified structural issues that limited true self-determination. A key concern was that ATSIC staff were Commonwealth public servants. This meant that elected ATSIC Commissioners and Regional Councillors would not have authority over staffing decisions, and staff were ultimately accountable to a government-appointed CEO rather than elected representatives.
Actions Taken Since Last Review
The Aboriginal Justice Caucus confirmed this recommendation was no longer relevant.