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Communities and Justice

ACCO Assessment and evidence guide

The Department of Communities and Justice uses this guide to determine whether an Aboriginal organisation meets the criteria to be identified as an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation. The criteria are based on Clause 44 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. The National Agreement was endorsed by state and territory jurisdictions and the National Voice for our Children (SNAICC).

Criterion 1. The organisation is incorporated under relevant legislation and is not-for-profit

Verification required Evidence Notes

Incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (the CATSI Act)

OR

Is an Aboriginal Land Council in NSW

Mandatory:

  • Has the relevant Certificate of    Incorporation, or is an Aboriginal Land Council in NSW.

Desirable:

The Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) states an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporation means a corporation registered under the CATSI Act.

ORIC is an independent statutory office holder which administers the CATSI Act. ORIC supports and regulates corporations by ensuring compliance with the law.
Not-for-profit status

Mandatory:

 To be recognised as a community service, as required by DCJ, the provider must be registered with the ACNC.

Criterion 2. The organisation is controlled and operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people

Verification required Evidence Notes
  • Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander membership
  • Operated by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Requirements for membership and eligibility rules comply with CATSI Act 2006, or is an Aboriginal Land Council in NSW

Mandatory:

 Organisations registered with ORIC or that are a known Aboriginal Land Council in NSW automatically meet criterion 2.

Criterion 3. The organisation is connected to the community, or communities, in which they deliver the services

Verification required Evidence Notes
  • Dedicated, reliable and consistent approach designed to suit the types of services required by communities, responsive to the needs of those receiving the services, and to be developed in consultation with the relevant body
  • Services and activities address the needs of local communities

Business plans and annual service plan reflect program requirements.

Mechanisms are in place to capture community needs such as surveys, consultation and meetings.

 The organisation’s annual work plan and annual report may be used to verify services and activities are linked to community need.

Criterion 4. The organisation is governed by a majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander governing body

Verification required Evidence Notes
Majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander governing body

Mandatory:

  • Sighted the organisation’s Constitution, Articles or Memorandum of the Aboriginal board of governance (over 50% control).
 Organisations registered with ORIC or that are a known Aboriginal Land Council automatically meet criterion 4.
Last updated:

21 Oct 2024