Abolishing ATSIC: the end of self-determination?

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On 15 April 2004, the Prime Minister announced the Government’s decision to abandon ATSIC and return all Indigenous-specific programs and funding to mainstream departments. Under the Government’s plan there will be no replacement elected Indigenous body, just a hand-picked advisory body. This will mean the end of self-determination or self-management as Commonwealth policy on Indigenous affairs. It will take Indigenous affairs policy back to the 1960s.

The decision goes against the Government’s own review of ATSIC, which recommended a re-structuring of the organisation with greater emphasis on Indigenous decision-making at a regional level. It also runs counter to evidence both from here and overseas about tackling Indigenous disadvantage.

The decision followed the Labor opposition's surprise announcement two weeks earlier that it would scrap ATSIC. However, Labor has pledged to replace ATSIC with a new Indigenous elected body with decision-making emphasis at a regional level.

This marks a significant difference between the policies of the two major parties, with Labor seeking to retain self-determination as the basis of Commonwealth policy, and the Howard Government determined to abandon it in favour of a return to mainstream paternalism.

The Government introduced legislation to abolish ATSIC in the June 2004 Parliamentary sittings. However Labor, with the support of the Democrats and Greens, set up a Senate Select Committee on the Administration of Indigenous Affairs. The Committee is inquiring into the ATSIC bill and related matters and was due to report by 31st October 2004. The October Federal election put the inquiry on hold and the Committee was re-appointed on 17 November and is required to report by 8 March 2005.

Submissions are still being accepted to up to 17 January 2005. ANTaR strongly encourages supporters to make a submission to this Inquiry (see below).

In the meantime the Government has pressed ahead with changes to Indigenous affairs policy based on 'mutual obligation', including 'shared responsibility agreements' with local communities.

Put in a submission to the Senate Committee Inquiry on Indigenous Affairs: This Inquiry provides an important opportunity to have a say on Indigenous affairs adminstration, including the proposed ATSIC bill. Submit by 17 January 2005.
» Click here for information to assist in making a submission

» Information to assist with making submissions here>>
» Labor media release on Senate Inquiry on Indigenous Affairs, 15 June 2004 here>>
»Democrats media release on ATSIC's assets, 15 June 2004  here>>
» Labor media release on intention to set up Senate Inquiry, 1 June 2004  here>>>
» Democrats media release on Labor referral to Senate inquiry, 1 June 2004  here>>
» PM jumps, ATSIC fails', Michelle Grattan, The Age, 18 April 2004  here>>>
» Statement from Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander
   Social Justice Commissioner, Dr Bill Jonas, 16 April 2004  here>>>
» ANTaR media release on Govt announcement, 15 April 2004  here>>>
» ANTaR media release on Labor announcement, 30 March 2004  here>>>