The Registrar increased reporting compliance from 52.0 per cent in 2006–07 to 97.1 per cent in 2015–16 by providing targeted assistance to corporations and through ORIC’s prosecution programs.
Improved compliance has significantly increased the accuracy and reliability of the free public Register of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations.
The Registrar identified several priorities in the ORIC business plan 2015–16 to align with the ORIC strategic plan 2014–17. These priorities acknowledge that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations are important for communities and Australian society.
In line with the business plan and the Registrar’s core functions, ORIC’s aim has been to increase public confidence in the standards of corporate governance and the viability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations.
The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations is an independent statutory office holder whose chief function is to administer the CATSI Act. The legislation not only allows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups to form corporations but also it sets out how they should be run.
In addition to delivering modern corporate governance standards, the CATSI Act provides special measures to suit the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Some features unique to the CATSI Act include:
Port Macquarie, New South Wales: In June 2016 Werin Aboriginal Corporation medical centre celebrated 10 years serving the Port Macquarie–Hastings area as well as independence from its auspice arrangement.
Over this time the community-controlled, not-for-profit medical centre has consistently provided quality healthcare services. ‘We’re a close-knit team and we do the very best we can for our patients and clients,’ said the corporation’s secretary, Warren Mason.
It started 25 years ago on the back of a $100 donation. A group of concerned local Aboriginal volunteers got together to establish a corporation. The aim was to help provide affordable housing for the local community. A quarter of a century later, Winnam is a thriving concern with over $22 million in assets.
