media release from Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion
Minister for Indigenous Affairs
Senator the Hon. Nigel Scullion
Media release
ORIC yearbook highlights record compliance
Tuesday, 24 November 2015
The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, has today welcomed the release of the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations’ (ORIC) 2014–15 yearbook.
Minister Scullion said the yearbook highlighted continued improvements in the governance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations and increased services from ORIC to support such entities.
“In 2014–15, more than 97 per cent of corporations complied with their reporting requirements under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 – the highest on record. This is the sixth consecutive year reporting compliance has exceeded 90 per cent,” Minister Scullion said.
“ORIC has also continued to successfully address wrongdoing, with significant results achieved in one criminal and two civil cases. In 2014–15, 59 formal examinations were completed and 834 complaints were finalised.
“Training in corporate governance was also provided to more than 880 participants from 169 corporations.
“These activities are ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations are being equipped with the necessary skills to stand strong and take control of their own economic growth and development.”
Minister Scullion said ORIC increased its presence in regional areas in 2014–15, with staffing positions moving from Canberra to locations such as Darwin, Coffs Harbour, Perth, Alice Springs, Broome and Cairns.
“Importantly, ORIC is also leading the way in relation to the Commonwealth Government’s Indigenous employment target of three per cent, with 40.8 per cent of ORIC’s staff identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander – an all-time high for the organisation,” Minister Scullion said.
While the yearbook highlights many positive achievements, it does not reduce this Government's focus on improving governance and accountability in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations.
"I will continue to work with ORIC to ensure that all cases of financial mismanagement and misuse are fully investigated and addressed,” Minister Scullion said.
ORIC’s 2014–15 yearbook can be viewed at www.oric.gov.au.
See this media release on the Minister's website: ORIC yearbook highlights record compliance