A report expected to be tabled in Federal Parliament today is set to
call for the establishment of a nationally elected Indigenous body in
Australia.
The report is from a Senate inquiry into the future of Indigenous
affairs and the abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Commission (ATSIC).
The nine-month inquiry held hearings across the country and received
nearly 250 written submissions.
The ABC has been told there was an overwhelming desire for an elected
body rather than just a government appointed council.
While most ATSIC operations have been transferred to mainstream
agencies, the Government is retaining ASTIC councils until July.
It is believed the report recommends the life of those councils be
extended by six months.
It is also understood the report suggests that art work held by ATSIC
should be retained by Indigenous interests. |
