Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination facts for kids

The Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC) was an important part of the Australian Government. It worked to help Indigenous Australians from July 2004 to August 2011. The OIPC helped to plan and deliver services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This office was officially started in July 2004. It was created after another group, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC), was closed down. The OIPC itself was later closed in August 2011. Its work then became part of a larger government department.

How the OIPC Started and Changed

The Beginning in 2004

The Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination officially began on 1 July 2004. It was set up inside a department called the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA). The OIPC was created to take over the work of ATSIC, which had been closed.

Moving to New Departments

In January 2006, the government made some changes to how departments were organized. This meant the OIPC moved to a new department. It became part of the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaCSIA).

Later, in December 2007, the government changed again. The department was renamed the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). At this time, the OIPC's work started to be spread out more. Its tasks were shared among different parts of the FaHCSIA department.

Working with Remote Communities

The government also created a special role in 2009. This was the Coordinator-General of Remote Indigenous Services. This person's job was to help organize services for Indigenous communities in faraway places. This showed a focus on making sure services reached everyone.

The OIPC Comes to an End

The OIPC officially stopped being a separate office in August 2011. Its work and staff were fully moved into a division of FaHCSIA. This division was called the Indigenous Policy and Engagement Division.

After a new government was elected in September 2013, FaHCSIA was also closed. The work of helping Indigenous Australians then moved to the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. A new group, the Indigenous Affairs Group, was created there.

What the OIPC Did

The OIPC had important jobs related to Indigenous policy. It was in charge of planning policies for all government departments. It also helped to deliver services across Australia.

Working with Regional Centres

The OIPC managed a network of Indigenous Coordination Centres. These centres were located in different states and territories. They helped to make sure services reached local Indigenous communities.

Working with State Governments

The OIPC also worked closely with state and territory governments. They did this through special meetings called Council of Australian Governments (COAG) arrangements. This helped different levels of government work together on Indigenous issues.