Response Kit for ATSIC Discussion Paper

Please note: The Review Panel has extended the deadline for submissions till 29 August 2003

1 August 2003

Dear Friends,

Your urgent assistance is sought to contribute a response to a key public discussion paper on options for changing ATSIC.

ATSIC is a unique body. It is the peak national elected Indigenous body, and is the primary source of Indigenous policy advice to government. Its other key roles include advocacy on Indigenous rights issues and, until recently (see below) responsibility for some of the Commonwealth government's Indigenous programs and services.

The current review of ATSIC was established by Minister Philip Ruddock in November 2002. ATSIC welcomed the Review as an opportunity for reform.

In April 2003, just one month before the release of the ATSIC Review's public Discussion Paper, the Minister announced interim changes to ATSIC, removing its responsibilities for administering programs and making funding decisions and transferring these responsibilities to a new Executive agency. The new agency is called Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services (ATSIS).

In doing so, Minister Ruddock failed to consult fully with the ATSIC Board over the changes and has pre-empted the findings of his own review.

The Review panel has put out a public Discussion Paper, which 'sets out a number of issues and options for Australians to consider.'

Members of the public are invited to respond by 15th August 2003. (Note: now extended to 29th August 2003)

The full Review Discussion Paper is available on website: www.atsicreview.gov.au, or a hard copy can be obtained by calling the Review Secretariat on 1800 700 140.

These are some suggestions of things you can do:

1. If you have a view on any aspect of ATSIC, this can be expressed in a number of ways.
   
   - A letter to ATSIC Review, P.O. Box 160, Deakin West, ACT. 2600
   
   - An email to atsicreview@atsicreview.gov.au
   
   - A phone call to 1800 700 140
   
   
2. We offer some ideas and resources to assist you in responding to the issues/options set out in the Discussions Paper (see 'Information to Consider'). Submissions already sent in to the Review Panel are available on the website.
   

If you are unable to meet the set deadline, you may be able to get a short extension of time by contacting the Review secretariat using the contact details above.

Thanks for your assistance.

ANTaR

Further information:

ATSIC Review: Background and information [html]

ANTaR's submission to the Review Panel's public discussion paper [html]