Mundine brought in for indigenous overhaul
The Prime Minister has announced that Warren Mundine will take the lead on the government’s Indigenous Advisory Council.
Mr Mundine has wasted no time settling in, saying an overhaul of the country’s indigenous welfare system is being prepared. Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion has previously indicated a shake-up is needed.
Mr Mundine says he looks forward to taking on the chairperson’s position on the national council.
“Through our review process, there is not any stone that we won't turn over and have a look at,” he said.
“We have to do that; we have to look at where the funds and everything has been spent.”
The Federal government has called for expressions of interest from anyone else wanting to become a member of the council, asking businesspeople and others to contribute to increasing the council’s purview.
“The most important thing of all is how we work with the Aboriginal leadership and the Aboriginal people ... to get the outcomes that they need,” Mr Mundine said.
The council will reportedly have three meetings with the Prime Minister and other senior ministers per year. Mr Mundine will have a personal chat with Mr Abbott and Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion every month.
Mr Mundine was at one point National President of the ALP, leaving Labor in 2012 when it became “no longer the party I joined”.
Among his first moves, it is speculated Mr Mundine will seek to reverse plans put forth before the election to cut $42 million from Indigenous legal support. He is also travelling to Alice Springs to consult with representatives of the Central Land Council.