Indigeneity

Minimum number of directors

The rule in the CATSI Act is that if a corporation has:

• 1 member, the corporation must have at least 1 director
• 2 members, the corporation must have at least 2 directors
• more than 2 members, the corporation must have at least 3 directors.

A corporation can set a higher minimum in their rule book, for example if they want at least 5 directors.

Indigeneity requirement

The CATSI Act ensures a corporation is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander owned and controlled through the Indigeneity requirement. 

The requirement is that the majority of members must be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It applies to corporations if their members are natural persons or bodies corporate.

This framework outlines the Registrar's approach to ensuring corporations comply with the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006. 

For a corporation to be registered under the CATSI Act, the corporation must at all times be owned and controlled by Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people. 

ORIC has a range of corporate documents that set our regulatory approach and priorities.

There are 4 rules that every corporation must have in its rule book.

A corporation’s rule book must state:

There are requirements for a group to register and stay registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).

Use this checklist to find out if meet the requirements to apply to register a corporation.

Check if starting a corporation is right for you

You might be forming a corporation to hold title to land, to undertake a project or because you have an exciting business venture in mind. 

Whatever your reasons, it takes time, effort and commitment to start a corporation. Make sure you get to know:

• what's involved 
• whether it's right for you. 

Starting a corporation can go more smoothly when:

What we ask of you

The Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) must provide a safe environment for its people. Team members are trained and supported to deliver the business of ORIC including complex and sometimes difficult matters. Even sensitive issues concerning conflict or disputes do not excuse poor behaviour.

It is expected that you treat ORIC staff with courtesy and respect at all times. ORIC is unable to assist you where you are not respectful and helpful.

Respectful and helpful behaviour includes all of the following: