The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Anthony Beven, has announced that the special administration of the North Australian Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service - Aboriginal Corporation will end tomorrow.
The Commonwealth-funded corporation delivers essential support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and children who are the victims of family violence and sexual abuse, or who are at risk. Based in Darwin, the corporation looks after 16 communities across the Northern Territory’s Top End.
The corporation was placed under special administration on 5 March 2012 after the former directors asked the Registrar for help following allegations of improper payments and misappropriation of corporation funds.
‘In just over three months the special administrator has finalised an investigation and this is currently being actioned by my office. New financial management policies and procedures have also been put in place,’ Mr Beven said.
‘The special administrator appointed an experienced CEO, Mr Tony Lane, who will continue to drive improvements at the corporation.’
A new board of directors has been appointed consisting of community directors and professional independent directors. The mix of community representation and professional expertise on the board is important to the future of the corporation. It will ensure the corporation maintains its links with the community it serves while drawing on the technical skills required to manage a complex legal service.
Background
Special administration is a special measure under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 which helps corporations to fix their problems. The aim of the process is to restore a corporation to good health and once this is achieved to return control to members as soon as possible. For more information please see ORIC’s fact sheet Special administrations: what members and directors should know available at www.oric.gov.au.
Media contact
Christa de Jager
(02) 6146 4737
28 June 2012
Ref: ORIC MR1112-41