About

About the Registrar

The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations is an independent statutory office holder who administers the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act). The CATSI Act has some unique features:

Building bridges every which way

Arnhem Land, Northern Territory: Beginning in 1972 as a cooperative of community stores in seven communities, The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) is now the highest-earning corporation under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act). In 2015–16 it generated income of over $95 million—with a tidy $5 million surplus for its five member communities—Galiwinku, Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, Minjilang and Ramingining. It’s a smart, diverse operation strengthened by a passion for bridge-building.

Leaders in law, business and community

Yirrkala, Northern Territory: The Rirratjingu clan, traditional owners of land on the Gove Peninsula, is well-known for its leadership. In 1963, when the Australian Government excised over 300 square kilometres of land from the Arnhem Land reserve for bauxite mining— without consulting the traditional owners—five Rirratjingu brothers took action.

Prosecution outcome for Alan Hugh Bishop

Criminal prosecutions

Prosecution outcome for: Alan Hugh Bishop

Court and judge/magistrate: Perth District Court (Judge Schoombee)
Legislative provision/s breached

s. 265-25(3)(a) CATSI Act

Sentenced to two years' imprisonment, commencing 20 October 2017. To be released on a $2000 good behaviour bond for 18 months, after serving 10 months in jail.

Prosecution outcome for Jukanyula Aboriginal Corporation For Childrens Enrichment (ICN 1073)

Criminal prosecutions

Prosecution outcome for: Jukanyula Aboriginal Corporation For Childrens Enrichment (ICN 1073)

Court and judge/magistrate: Bundaberg Magistrates Court
Legislative provision/s breached

s. 348-1(1) CATSI Act

Convicted and fined $600. Ordered to pay court costs of $92.90.

Prosecution outcome for Sharon Anderson, Rae Fernando, Siffia Fernando, Wayne Fernando and Colin Turnbull

Criminal prosecutions

Prosecution outcome for: Sharon Anderson, Rae Fernando, Siffia Fernando, Wayne Fernando and Colin Turnbull

Court and judge/magistrate: Coonamble District Court, Coonamble (Magistrate Van Zuylen)
Legislative provision/s breached

s. 435-5(5) CATSI Act

Convicted and fined $600 each