ORIC staff often field queries from groups of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are thinking about incorporating, and wanting more information about their options. Some conversations occur over the phone; in other cases, an ORIC officer will meet with the group to discuss options and determine whether registering under the CATSI Act is appropriate in their circumstances.
The Registrar is responsible for administering the CATSI Act. This involves creating a sustainable regulatory framework to give effect to the legislation.
This yearbook presents data on the full range of functions of the Registrar. ORIC also publishes reports on the following research:
Currently, ORIC measures its performance by output, which helps us to understand the efficiency of our operations. Over the next five years we want to build capability to measure our impact on good governance and trust in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sector—our outcomes. For example, we might look at the long-term impact of directors’ training on corporations’ performance.
Strong corporations, strong people, strong communities
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations play an important role in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their communities, as well as in the broader Australian society. Our vision is of well-governed corporations that inspire trust in the sector and provide high-value services and benefits to members and communities.
To achieve that vision, ORIC staff operate within a framework—documents below are all offered as PDF—that covers:
It has been a tumultuous year at the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. After 10 years as Registrar, Anthony Beven departed in November 2017. In December, Joe Mastrolembo, the deputy registrar, was appointed Acting Registrar. Then in April 2018, Joe retired and on 1 May, Mike Fordham stepped in as (again, Acting) Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. Yes, three Registrars in one year! But that’s not the only major change in progress, as Mike explains…
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:
This story comes via the North Queensland Land Council Native Title Representative Body Aboriginal Corporation and is reproduced with permission.
Cairns, Queensland: Congratulations to the deadly Yirrganydji mob for Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation's recent win. The corporation was named winner of ANZSOG Indigenous Strength and Leadership Video Competition (along with New Zealand's Ngāpuhi Iwi Social Services). The competition recognised initiatives promoting Indigenous leadership in public administration.
Hobart, Tasmania: In 1988, a group of Aboriginal women including Verna Nicho
