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Editors --- "National Indigenous Council Terms of Reference - Digest" [2005] AUIndigLawRpr 57; (2005) 9(3) Australian Indigenous Law Reporter 107

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS COUNCIL TERMS OF REFERENCE

Introduction

The National Indigenous Council (‘NIC’) was appointed in November 2004. The council includes 14 members with a range of backgrounds, including members of the judiciary, business leaders, and sports people.

The role of the NIC is to provide expert advice to the government on a range of matters that are of concern to Australia’s Indigenous peoples. Like the abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (‘ATSIC’), the establishment of the NIC is part of the federal government’s overhaul of Indigenous service delivery.

The Minister for Indigenous affairs has emphasised that the NIC is not a representative body, and is not intended to replace ATSIC. It will not be involved in program planning, and it will not be able to comment on funding arrangements. However, in the absence of ATSIC, or any other national Indigenous body, the NIC may play an important role in Indigenous policy at the federal level.

Terms of Reference

The National Indigenous Council will:

1. Provide expert advice to the Australian Government on how to improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians in the development and implementation of policy affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;
2. Provide expert advice to Government on how to improve programme and service delivery outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people including maximising the effective interaction of mainstream and Indigenous-specific programmes and services;
3. Provide advice on Indigenous Australians’ views on the acceptance and effectiveness of Australian Government and State and Territory Government programmes;
4. Provide advice on the appropriateness of policy and programme options being considered to address identified needs;
5. Provide advice to government on national funding priorities;
6. Alert government to current and emerging policy, programme and service delivery issues;
7. Promote constructive dialogue and engagement between government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, communities and organisations;
8. Provide advice on specific matters referred to it by the Minister; and
9. Report to the Minister as appropriate on the NIC’s activities and achievements.

It is also expected that the NIC will use its contacts and networks to assist consultation.

Advice will not be sought from the NIC on specific funding proposals or specific planning or programme matters related to individual communities or regions.