National Indigenous Council facts for kids

The National Indigenous Council (NIC) was a special group that gave advice to the Australian Government. It was set up in November 2004 and finished its work in early 2008. The NIC helped the Minister for Indigenous Affairs with important issues. Sue Gordon, a magistrate from Western Australia, was the leader of this group.

History of the National Indigenous Council

The NIC was created after another important group, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), was closed down. ATSIC was different because its members were chosen by Indigenous Australians through elections. The NIC, however, had 14 members who were picked by the government.

Many Indigenous Australians did not fully support the NIC. Even though the people on the Council were respected, many felt that appointed members could not truly speak for all Indigenous people. The government said the NIC was not meant to replace ATSIC. However, a government document from April 2004 had used the word "replace" many times.

The NIC held its first meeting on 8–9 December 2004. It was planned to operate until the end of 2007. In March 2005, a government review suggested that the NIC should only be a temporary group. It said the NIC should exist only until a proper national group, chosen by Indigenous people, was in place.

On 15 January 2008, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, announced that the NIC would be closed. This news was generally welcomed by Indigenous Australians.

What the Council Did

The main job of the National Indigenous Council was to give expert advice to the government. This advice aimed to help improve life for Indigenous Australians. The Council reported to the Ministerial Taskforce on Indigenous Affairs. It supported efforts to create better ways to deliver services to Indigenous communities.

The NIC did not get involved in specific funding plans. It also did not plan projects for individual communities. While it was the main source of advice for the government, other groups and people were also asked for their opinions.

According to Minister Amanda Vanstone, the Council had several important goals. These included helping with early childhood development for Indigenous children. They also worked on making Indigenous women and children safer. Another goal was to reduce reliance on welfare. Sue Gordon, the chair, said that improving safety for Aboriginal women and children was a top priority.

Members of the Council

The first 14 people chosen to be members of the National Indigenous Council were: