About the Ministerial Council for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs

The Ministerial Council of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs (MCATSIA) is a forum through which Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers with responsibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs can meet to discuss issues of mutual interest and consider reports on relevant Commonwealth, State, Territory and Local Government activities.  It aims to foster a shared responsibility for the development of national policy and to achieve a coordinated approach, at all levels of government, to the planning, funding and provision of services to Indigenous Australians.

MCATSIA comprises of the Ministers with responsibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs from the Commonwealth and each of the States and Territories. The President of the Australian Local Government Association and the Chair of the Torres Strait Regional Authority are non-voting participating members.  The New Zealand Minister for Maori Affairs attends as an observer.

MCATSIA members

MCATSIA is supported by a standing committee of senior officials referred to as the Standing Committee for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs. (SCATSIA).

Committees and their membership

MCATSIA is chaired on a rotating basis, with each Chair holding the position for two years.  The MCATSIA Chair for 2008 to 2010 is the Western Australian Minister for Indigenous Affairs, the Honourable Dr Kim Hames MLA. The SCATSIA Chair is DIA Director General Patrick Walker.

MCATSIA meetings are held at least once a year. They may be held in any capital city or Alice Springs.

DIA hosts the secretariat for MCATSIA.  The secretariat provides administrative support to MCATSIA and its standing committee and offers support and advice on policy issues and projects of national significance.

The Executive Officer can be contacted on (08) 9235 8000 or by email mcatsia@dia.wa.gov.au

Official MCATSIA website