Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisations
How DCJ defines an Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation (ACCO), how we determine whether an organisation is an ACCO, and our requirements for reporting on ACCOs.
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).
On this page:
Criterion 1. The organisation is incorporated under relevant legislation and is not-for-profit
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:
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 |
---|---|---|
| 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 |
---|---|---|
| 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:
| Organisations registered with ORIC or that are a known Aboriginal Land Council automatically meet criterion 4. |