The Registrar of Indigenous Corporations, Anthony Beven, has today placed the Julalikari Council Aboriginal Corporation under special administration.
The corporation is based in Tennant Creek in the Northern Territory.
As one of the largest Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations in Australia, it is an icon in the Northern Territory. The corporation was established in 1989 to alleviate poverty and improve the wellbeing of the Aboriginal people who reside in the Barkly region.
Julalikari is funded by both the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments to provide a range of housing, community and social services for people living in Tennant Creek and surrounding homelands and communities. It also has investments in a number of commercial businesses in Tenant Creek.
The corporation is the largest employer in the Barkly region, employing over 90 permanent staff.
‘Julalikari has been through a difficult period,’ Mr Beven said. ‘The range of programs and services it looks after is vast, and it’s facing significant pressures and criticism about its ability to perform effectively.’
An independent examination in October 2016 revealed the corporation had experienced a significant breakdown in its relationships with members, key stakeholders and commercial partners. The loss of support has impacted upon the corporation’s ability to respond to important governance and operational matters.
‘There is frustration on all sides,’ Mr Beven said. ‘The special administrators will provide an opportunity for all parties to restart conversations in good faith, restructure the corporation’s governance, and refocus its energy on delivering high quality services.’
Julalikari is solvent and in a strong financial position.
The Registrar has appointed Mr Gerry Mier and Mr Tony Jonsson from the Cairns-based firm Grant Thornton (Australia) as the special administrators until 23 August 2017.
The special administrators will focus on restoring confidence in the corporation’s governance processes, improving communication with key stakeholders, and ensuring services to the community are not compromised.
Media contact
Lisa Hugg
(02) 6146 4738
ORIC MR1617-17
23 February 2017