The Wire

Several ATSIC Commissioner’s have called on Acting Chairperson Lionel Quartermain to consider resigning in the wake of yesterday national protest against the proposed Abolition of ATSIC. The comments come after acting Chief Executive Mick Gooda and Mr Quartermaine cancelled the flights of four ATSIC commissioners wanting to attend the protest in Canberra. The commissioners say Mr Quartermaine is getting too close to the government and they no longer have confidence in him.Only four commissioners were able to attend the rally joining hundreds of people from around the country in protest outside of Parliament house. Mr Quartermaine says he will quit only if all the other commissioners join him. Meanwhile the founder of Australia’ newest Indigenous political party Richard Frankland has accused the mainstream media of downplaying yesterday’s protest with little coverage of the event available throughout the country.