Cracks already in new indigenous council
Natasha Robinson; From: The Australian; August 27, 2009 12:00AM
MANY of the nation's most recognised Aboriginal leaders have had no input into the creation of a national indigenous body, raising concerns that the new council will fail to bridge the divide between urban and remote indigenous communities.
Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma will today present a report to Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin, compiled following extensive discussion among indigenous representatives over the form and scope of a new leadership body.
Mr Calma is expected to endorse a body that will elect its own representatives and will perform an advisory role to governments but, unlike its predecessor ATSIC, will not have a direct hand in service delivery.
Ms Macklin has previously expressed concerns about having elected representation and has also said the body should be drawn from "urban, regional and remote" areas.
But prominent Aboriginal leaders in remote Australia were either not invited to participate in the discussions on the formation of the national body, or declined to be involved in the process.
