2nd May 2003

Government's premature emasculation of ATSIC

Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) today condemned the actions of the Government, announced recently by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Philip Ruddock, in making major changes to ATSIC without consultation and in advance of the outcome of the current ATSIC review.

"Once again this Government has failed to consult properly with Indigenous people over matters which directly affect their lives", ANTaR National President, Phil Glendenning said today.

"The message the Government has sent to mainstream Australia is clear - Indigenous Australians can't be trusted to manage their own affairs and need the Government to step in and take control.

"It's paternalism at its worst.

"Moreover, it does nothing to correct the widespread misconception that ATSIC is to blame for problems in health, employment and education when these areas are not the responsibility of ATSIC. Instead it provides another smokescreen for the Government's own abject failure in these critical policy areas.

"While it is widely acknowledged, including by ATSIC itself, that reform of ATSIC is needed, it is of paramount importance that any changes are the result of proper consultation and carry the informed consent of Indigenous people.

"And it is also critical that any changes properly target the problems they seek to address. There is no evidence that this current tinkering is an appropriate solution, let alone whether the problem has been correctly identified. Minister Ruddock would have been better advised to await the outcome of the current ATSIC review before leaping to premature and costly action.

"ANTaR urges the Minister to use the opportunity of the completion of the current ATSIC review to reconsider this retrograde decision and to ensure that future changes empower rather than disenfranchise Indigenous Australians in assuming responsibility over their lives.

Further information and interviews: Phil Glendenning 02 97641330; 0419 013 758 or David Cooper 0418 486310; 02 95556138.