“ALLEGED corruption” among a Riverland indigenous council is set to be investigated in a State Government inquiry.
South Australian Premier – and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation – Steven Marshall last week wrote to state parliament calling for a review of governance in Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, in response to an article that appeared in the Murray Pioneer on December 2, 2020 (‘Stand down’).
Member for Chaffey Tim Whetstone said concern regarding long-term misconduct among indigenous councils – including Gerard – required investigation.
“(The concerns) are on the back of what we’ve seen over a long period of time and that’s the governance of projects, and the lack of transparency,” Mr Whetstone said.
“These issues have been systemic over a long period of time (and) it’s taxpayer money that is flittered away, and not getting the desired outcome. These issues have gotten to a point now where people have said enough is enough.
“The Premier has said he respects and would like to have Aboriginal people look after their own affairs, but at the moment the concerns about poor governance and alleged corruption have gotten to the point… where we need to investigate it.”
Allegations of grant funding being misappropriated, and water allocations being sold, saw Gerard residents submit a letter in December requesting all Gerard Council directors be stood down and new elections held.
Gerard Council liaison officer Tyson Lindsay said he told Mr Marshall – during a meeting on December 18 – an inquiry was necessary.
“I presented my case to get something done about certain issues that surround the indigenous communities across the state,” Mr Lindsay said.
“This will push towards a better future for all to prosper, with equality leading to improved lives in these communities.
“I thank the Premier for taking swift action on these matters.”
Mr Whetstone said issues in other South Australian indigenous communities would be examined in the inquiry.
“Gerard has had its fair share of problems, but this is statewide and it’s time to run the ruler right across South Australian Aboriginal communities,” Mr Whetstone said.
“Gerard is in our backyard, (but) we would like to see that inquiry look at all the Aboriginal communities, so we can put an end to the (argument).
“For far too long there’s been a division in Aboriginal communities. The (alleged) corruption has always been a topical conversation, but it’s about poor governance leading to corruption.”