Reconciliation and Social Justice Library

REBUTTING THE MYTHS - MYTH: ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS IS AWASH WITH MONEY

The annual Commonwealth budget for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) in 1992-93 was approximately $788 million.

Expenditure on the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) scheme and on Aboriginal housing and essential infrastructure programs accounts for approximately 60% of this budget. It should be noted that CDEP is largely offset against Job Search and New Start allowances which would otherwise be payable by the Department of Social Security.

· From its budget, ATSIC provides an enormous range of services including:

· support for medical services;

· water supply, electricity supply, sewerage, road funding, airstrip construction and maintenance, and other major capital works in Aboriginal communities;

· provision of housing;

· support for Aboriginal economic development initiatives;

· support for broadcasting;

· management training for Aboriginal organisations;

· support for recreation initiatives;

· substance abuse programs and other health initiatives;

· and initiatives for young people.

ATSIC's involvement in many policy areas arises out of concerns which have not been addressed in the past by the responsible Commonwealth, State and local government authorities. In addition, Aboriginal people are entitled to receive assistance from Government equity programs as are all other disadvantaged Australians.

Source:

ATSIC Annual Report 1990-91.