The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) was a Commonwealth statutory authority and the peak representative body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. It was responsible for administering many programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. ATSIC commenced operations in 1990 as a means by which to involve Indigenous people in government processes affecting their lives.
ATSIC's structure comprised:
An elected arm of Indigenous representatives, consisting of 35 Regional Councils around Australia and a national Board of Commissioners led by an elected Chairperson; and an administration headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
On 16 March 2005 the Federal Parliament passed the ATSIC Amendment Bill repealing provisions of the ATSIC Act, and in particular abolishing ATSIC.
The legislation received the Royal Assent and was proclaimed with effect from 24 March 2005. In addition, the legislation provided that Regional Councils would cease operations on 30 June 2005.
The Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC) is now responsible the national coordination of the whole-of-government approach to the provision of programs and services to Indigenous Australians.
Department of Justice, Department of Human Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, Tumbukka Regional Council, Binjirru Regional Council, Victorian Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee (2000) Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement