Respite care provider in need of reform

The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Selwyn Button, has today placed the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Corporation for Disabled and Respite Care under special administration.

Located in Townsville, Queensland, the corporation was established in 1988 to give clients respite from their usual routines and carers a break from their caring responsibilities. The centre was designed to provide a feeling of home away from home, and succeeded in that by attracting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and ensuring a culturally appropriate service. The centre is a registered provider with the National Disability Insurance Agency and offers a range of services for adults who have a disability.

In August 2019, the Registrar authorised an examination of the corporation’s books. The examination identified serious concerns with respect to the standard of corporate governance and the corporation’s financial management, solvency and viability.

‘Over three consecutive years, the corporation’s auditor has been unable to provide an audit opinion due to lack of evidence’ said Mr Button. ‘The examination verified that financial record-keeping at the corporation is almost non-existent. At the time of the examination, the corporation appeared insolvent, with overdrawn cash and a tax debt of more than $600,000—and the directors have failed to provide a sufficient response to address these serious financial issues.’

The Registrar has appointed Mr Neil Michel and Mr Mark O’Shea from Enmark Pty Ltd as joint special administrators until 22 May 2020.

MR1920-14