Changes to ATSIC legislation

What has changed?

• The Australian Government holds caveats over 2800 grant-funded property titles owned by 400 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. Caveats are a legal warning that someone other than the owner holds an interest in a property.
• Former ATSIC legislation stopped the Government from removing its interests in these properties unless they were being sold, transferred or mortgaged.
• The change means the Government can now have an open conversation about whether it should keep these caveats or remove them.

Why has it changed?

• The Australian Government is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal   and Torres Strait Islander communities to progress self-determination.
• The old legislation meant ATSIC property grants have been treated differently from other grants, and Australian Government agencies have had varied approaches to dealing with organisations disposing of property.
• At the same time, assets of significant value to the Indigenous estate are not identified or protected under current policies.
• This situation has created red tape, uncertainty and complexity for organisations dealing with their own properties.  
• The law has been changed so a new, consistent Australian Government policy can be developed and applied.