| The National Indigenous Council (NIC) was a federal government appointed body. It had the role of providing expert advice to government regarding the improvement of the socio-economic status of Indigenous Australians with a particular focus on government programs and services. The establishment of the NIC was part of the federal government's new arrangements for Indigenous service delivery which were due to take effect 1 July 2005 after the abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC). The NIC operated as an advisory body to government through the Ministerial Taskforce on Indigenous Affairs.
The NIC aimed to encourage effective relations between government and Indigenous individuals, communities and organisations. It also aimed to provide advice regarding the appropriateness and effectiveness of programs within the Indigenous community.
The federal government emphasised that the NIC was not a replacement for ATSIC nor a representative body. Unlike ATSIC, it was not involved in funding proposals or program planning in individual communities or regions.
The NIC was chaired by Magistrate Sue Gordon, a former ATSIC Commissioner with an extensive background in Indigenous and community affairs.
However, the NCC was abolished in January 2008 by the Indigenous Affairs Minister, Jenny Macklin, who believed that 'the interests of Indigenous Australians would be better served through a different approach' (ABC News). |
