Fed: ATSIC calls for direct election model for commissioners

AAP General News (Australia)
12-07-2003
Fed: ATSIC calls for direct election model for commissioners

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission has called for the adoption of
a direct election model for commissioners.

The Peak Aboriginal body has been wracked by controversy after its first democratically
elected chairman GEOFF CLARK was suspended pending the outcome of a court appeal over
a brawl.

He has since had one conviction quashed but another stood, leaving his fate unclear.

ATSIC has put forward a proposal to allow constituents to directly elect a commissioner
from their zone as well as their regional councillors.

It has called on the government to support the proposal to put a new ATSIC firmly in
the hands of the people and to implement it for the next elections due to take place in
2005.

AAP RTV sal/rh

KEYWORD: ATSIC (CANBERRA)

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