Is the ATSIC review a waste of money?
The Senate has 4 months to investigate Indigenous administration post ATSIC. It’s a review which the government says is a waste of taxpayers’ money as Labor already supports the abolition of the peak Indigenous body. While it’s the second major review of ATSIC in less than 2 years, ATSIC Deputy Chairman Terry Whitby says any process that will give Indigenous Australians input into developing policies that affect their lives and communities is well worth the effort. But it seems the new ATSIC inquiry may be just another game between the major parties. Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs Kerry O’Brien admits Labor supports the dismantling of ATSIC, but they don’t support the way the Howard government has gone about it. Frustrated by the lack of leadership for Indigenous Australians from both Labor and the Coalition, Indigenous Playwright, Richard Franklin is calling for volunteers and supporters to back his new political party Your Voice.