Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (Protection of Assets) Directions 2005
EXPLANATORY STATEMENT
Issued by the authority of the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission Act 1989
Section 12 of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission Act 1989 provides that the Commission shall perform its functions and exercise its powers in accordance with such general directions as are given to it by the Minister in writing.
There is presently a Bill before the Parliament which will abolish the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission.
Assets of the Commission which are interests in land may not be disposed of without the authority of the Minister for Finance and Administration under the Lands Acquisition Act 1989.
The effect of the Protection of Assets Directions is to ensure that the Minister is informed of any proposed disposal of assets other than interests in land to enable action to be taken to prevent any sale or disposal of assets other than for the benefit of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Consultation was not appropriate in the circumstances.
The Directions commence on the date they are given to the Commission.