The Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations, Anthony Beven, today noted the decision of the Federal Court in relation to the Nyangatjatjara Aboriginal Corporation (NAC).
Justice Mansfield has rejected an application made by four former members of the governing committee of the corporation. The application sought orders requiring the administrator of the corporation or the Registrar to establish a register of members and convene a special general meeting.
An administrator was appointed to the corporation in April 2006 to address serious concerns including a significant trading loss over a 15-month period; poor corporate governance practices; the failure to adhere to the rules of the corporation when establishing membership and maintaining the register of members; a failure to hold annual general meetings; and improper election procedure.
NAC operates a secondary college for Aboriginal students at Yulara near Uluru with campuses at the Mutitjulu, Imanpa and Docker River communities.
Mr Beven said, ‘The decision by the Federal Court will now enable the administrator, Mr Eamonn Thackaberry, to complete the restructure of the corporation and stabilise the college’s operations.
‘I look forward to the finalisation of the administrator’s work so that control of the corporation can be returned to its members as quickly as possible.’
The decision of the Federal Court resolves the short term position of the Nyangatjatjara Aboriginal Corporation. The Registrar will now be working with the administrator and the corporation’s members to ensure its long term future.
Janet Millar 0427 259 789
25 March 2008
ORATSIC MR0708-04
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