Fed: Ruddock signals end to ATSIC conflicts of interest

00-00-0000
Fed: Ruddock signals end to ATSIC conflicts of interest

Indigenous Affairs Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK has signalled he's about to fundamentallychange ATSIC to end conflict-of-interest controversies.

Mr RUDDOCK this week rejected ATSIC chairman GEOFF CLARK's proposals to separate thepolicy from funding functions of the peak indigenous body.

He's now revealed in a statement that he's about to act.

Mr RUDDOCK is expected to incorporate in the May Budget a new ATSIC structure -- onethat reflects the demarcation of the public servants and politicians' roles in government.

But the minister has come under fire for preempting an independent review of the Aboriginaland Torres Strait Islander Commission and for interfering with indigenous self-determination.

AAP RTV rmg/sb/rca/rp

KEYWORD: ATSIC (CANBERRA)