Five more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations have faced court for not lodging annual returns. The prosecutions were brought by the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Anthony Beven, and follow convictions against a number of other medium and large corporations in June and July this year.
The latest round of prosecutions included corporations based in Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. The corporations were found guilty of failing to lodge reports with the Registrar. Four of the five corporations were fined by the courts.
Medium and large corporations registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) are required to submit a general report, a financial report and an audit report to the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations; unless they receive an exemption. Reports must be lodged with the Registrar by 31 December each year.
Most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations fulfil their reporting obligations under the CATSI Act. In 2010–11, 96 per cent of all corporations were compliant.
‘Proper and good governance is the cornerstone of a healthy corporation—and reporting compliance is an important starting point. Corporations cannot expect to attract funding or gain the community’s confidence if they are not seen to be compliant,’ Mr Beven said. ‘The message is an important one—lodge your reports by the due date.’
The corporations are set out below.
|
Corporations |
Location |
Fines excluding costs |
|---|---|---|
|
Yuenmanda (Elder Clan Women) Aboriginal Corporation |
QLD |
$3,000 |
|
Amawurra Aboriginal Corporation (ICN 3529) |
NT |
$4,500 |
|
Wandoo Aboriginal Corporation (ICN 2160) |
NSW |
$3,000 |
|
Watiyawanu Artists of Amunturrnga Aboriginal Corporation |
NT |
$4,125 |
|
Wagga Advancement Aboriginal Corporation (ICN 558) |
NSW |
Offence proved—no fine imposed. |
21 November 2011
Media contact
Christa De Jager
(02) 6219 7611
Ref: ORIC MR1112-11