| There were 35 ATSIC Regional Councils across Australia. Councillors were elected every three years, with the last election being held in October 2002. The elected Regional Councils met at least four times a year.
Under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission Amendment Act 2005 (Cth), ATSIC was abolished and the Regional Councils were to cease operation on 30 June 2005.
Each Regional Council had powers and functions under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission Act 1989 (Cth), including:
· to make decisions on funding for the social, cultural and economic advancement of Indigenous people living in the region;
· to formulate, and revise from time to time, a regional plan for improving the economic, social and cultural status of Indigenous residents of the region;
· to assist, advise and cooperate with the Commission, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA), other Commonwealth bodies and state, territory and local government bodies in the implementation of the regional plan;
· to receive, and pass on to the Commission and the TSRA, the views of Indigenous people about the activities in the region of the Commission, the TSRA, other Commonwealth bodies and state, territory and local government bodies, and
· to represent Indigenous residents of the region and act as an advocate of their interests. |
