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Parliamentary Questions


Question Without Notice No. 19 asked in the Legislative Council on 4 May 2021 by Hon Robin Scott

Parliament: 41 Session: 1

ABORIGINAL CORPORATIONS — GOVERNANCE

19. Hon ROBIN SCOTT to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs:

I refer to leaked documents showing that one of Australia's oldest and best-resourced Indigenous corporations, the Marra Worra Worra Aboriginal Corporation in Fitzroy Crossing, has not had a valid board of directors since 2017 and is unable to account for more than $28 million worth of transactions.

(1) What is the government's response to assertions that there is a lack of accountability in Aboriginal corporations?

(2) Does the state government have any plans to increase accountability and transparency in Aboriginal corporations or other groups that receive state taxpayer funding?

Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:

I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.

(1) Given that the leaked documentation is not publicly available, it is not appropriate to comment on those allegations pending a formal investigation. However, addressing governance issues for Indigenous corporations is a federal responsibility regulated by the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006, which can investigate and intervene if required.

(2) I understand that a review of the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006—CATSI—is underway, and that a report with 72 recommendations has been presented to the federal Minister for Indigenous Australians to consider. We look forward to actively participating in the implementation of the recommendations where appropriate.