OFFICIAL

Good Afternoon ,

We have some exciting news! In response to feedback we will now be receiving feedback on the draft report until 2 October 2020.

During this period, the chapter surveys and feedback form will remain available on the NIAA’s website. Submissions can also be uploaded through the NIAA’s website or emailed to the CATSIActReview@niaa.gov.au inbox until 2 October 2020.

Additional public virtual consultation sessions will not be scheduled during this time. Although you can request a one-on-one feedback session through the CATSIActReview@niaa.gov.au inbox. If you are aware of stakeholders, including boards and members of corporations, who are interested in or impacted by the CATSI Act, please encourage them to get in contact with the CATSI Act Review Team to take up this opportunity.

This week we heard some concerns in relation to the proposal that the Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations (the Registrar) be able to share ‘de-identified’ data with stakeholders such as researchers, academics and peak bodies. De-identified data does not contain identifiers that enable individuals—and in this case corporations too—to be identified from the data. To ensure data cannot be used to identify individuals and corporations, the nature of the data request needs to be considered. At a national or aggregated level, a particular corporation is unlikely to be identifiable if information was provided. However, if this information was to be provided at a regional level, it may be easier to identify a particular corporation if there is only one or two corporations in a particular region.

We are also starting to hear some concerns about the accessibility of digital platforms to elders for publishing notices and contacting individuals and stakeholders. People support having greater flexibility around communication methods but are telling us that the method of communication needs to be fit-for-purpose.

Lastly, we are receiving feedback that revenue as the only determinant of size —consistent with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)—would not adequately reflect the nature of, and risks associated with, some corporations such as land-holding or housing corporations. This proposal was based on a recommendation in the 2017 Technical Review to make it easier for CATSI corporations that are also registered charities to understand and meet their obligations.

We are keen to hear as many views in the next couple of weeks. We encourage you and anyone else who still may be interested to raise any questions and share feedback with us.

Regards,

CATSI Act Review Team