Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation Under Fire
Tangentyere Council Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal-controlled organization in Alice Springs, has come under fire for its alleged shortcomings in service delivery and governance. The organization, which receives millions of dollars in government funding, has been accused of declining meetings with stakeholders, failing to adequately deliver services, and allowing a convicted domestic violence offender to sit on its board.
Concerns over Leadership and Service Delivery
Tangentyere Council has been criticized for its leadership's absence in community matters, including the recent social unrest in Alice Springs and the Voice to Parliament debate. Current and former employees have expressed concerns about the organization's silence on these issues, arguing that it fails to take a public leadership role in promoting positive change.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the organization's service delivery, particularly in relation to housing and sanitation in the town camps it manages. Yipirinya school principal Gavin Morris described the living conditions in these camps as "diabolical" and "fourth world poverty," citing issues like overflowing rubbish, lack of maintenance, and poor housing conditions.
Calls for Audit and Governance Review
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has called for an audit into Tangentyere's finances and governance, arguing that greater transparency is needed to ensure the organization is effectively serving the community. She also criticized the organization's decision to allow a convicted domestic violence offender to sit on its board, calling it "utter hypocrisy" and a reflection of low expectations for Indigenous Australians.
Tangentyere's Response
Tangentyere Council has denied any wrongdoing and stated that it has met all reporting requirements. The organization's board member, Philip Miller, who was convicted of domestic violence, claims to have put his past behind him and maintains that he was democratically elected to the position.
Government Response
The NT Chief Minister, Eva Lawler, has acknowledged the concerns raised about Tangentyere but has not indicated any specific actions to address them. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that the organization delivers on its commitments and contributes to finding solutions for Alice Springs.
Conclusion
The allegations against Tangentyere Council raise serious concerns about the organization's effectiveness and accountability. The calls for an audit and a review of its governance practices highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. It remains to be seen how the organization will respond to these concerns and whether it will take steps to improve its service delivery and governance.