Fed: Chronology of ATSIC's history

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2004
Fed: Chronology of ATSIC's history

ATSIC timeline.

March 5, 1990 - The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission begins operation.

Lowitja O'Donoghue appointed inaugural chair.

1991 - Royal commission into black deaths in custody releases makes 339 recommendations
to tackle the problem.

1992 - High Court decision on Mabo land rights.

1995 - In ATSIC's first annual report, Dr O'Donoghue says ATSIC facing huge backlog
in problems to overcome.

1995 - Deputy chairman Charles Perkins resigns after series of complaints about the
peak indigenous body.

1996 - In its Wik ruling, the High Court finds pastoral leases did not necessarily
extinguish native title

1996 - Howard government elected and cuts ATSIC funding.

1997 - Gatjil Djerrkurra appointed ATSIC chairman.

1998 - Review of ATSIC finds the commission should be recognised as representing and
advocating the rights and interests of indigenous Australians.

1999 - Geoff Clark becomes first elected ATSIC chairman.

July 1, 2003 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Services created, taking responsibility
for the running of ATSIC services.

August 13, 2003 - Mr Clark suspended on grounds of misbehaviour.

April 15, 2004 - Prime Minister John Howard announces abolition of ATSIC.

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KEYWORD: ATSIC CHRONOLOGY

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