An ‘experiment’ in Indigenous social policy: the rise and fall of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC)

Abstract

English The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) was established in 1990 as part of the Australian government's attempts to address the extensive disadvantages faced by Indigenous Australians. ATSIC was described as a “path-breaking experiment” in indigenous affairs, combining administrative and representative functions in one statutory body. By 2004, however, ATSIC was all but dead. This article describes the short life history of ATSIC and examines the major conflicts, tensions and criticisms that have led to its demise.