Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission ATSIC was established by an Australian Federal Act of 1989 to life. The ATSIC should represent the interests of Aboriginal people to the various organs of Australian federal, state and local governments. It should also formulate the ATSIC and implement programs which serve the promotion of social and cultural nature of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The ATSIC should work with Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders at all levels, be it at an organizational or personal level. The ATSIC reported directly to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. The Commission had a board of directors, headed by a Chairperson. Board and Chairman were democratically elected by regional representatives, who represented Australia.

After lengthy inspections, the ATSIC was finally abolished in July 2005 by the government under John Howard. There were several internal problems and some corruption scandals, further the Commission was " too much with symbolic issues " busy. The ATSIC to be replaced by a group of indigenous consultants who will then influence the official policy.

In the same month, the abolition of ATSIC further the only Member of Parliament, was not re-elected by Aboriginal Ethnicity, Aden Ridgeway.