Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations Appointment Made

Mr Anthony Beven has been appointed to the challenging role of Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations.

Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Mal Brough today announced the appointment, saying Mr Beven’s experience would enable him to make the most of the position during a turning point in the Registrar’s role.

"With the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait) Islander Act 2006 commencing in July this year, it is a perfect opportunity for Mr Beven to manage the mainstreaming of corporations law and practice across the 2,500 Indigenous corporations affected," Mr Brough said.

"Mr Beven brings with him 16 years experience at the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and he will prove an asset in taking forward good governance for Indigenous corporations.

"I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank Ms Laura Beacroft, outgoing Registrar, who played such an important role in developing the new legislation, steering the Registrar’s office through a critical transition phase and working closely to explain the new legislation to Australia’s Indigenous communities.

"Since 2002, Ms Beacroft has laid the groundwork for a new era in the governance and performance of Australia’s Indigenous corporations.

"Her devoted effort and commitment to this important role was recognised by the Productivity Commission in its recent Overcoming Indigenous Disadvantage report and she continuously demonstrated exceptional humanity and high regard for Indigenous people and their culture.

"Mr Beven has large shoes to fill in this important and specialised role within this portfolio," Mr Brough said.

Mr Beven officially takes up the role on October 1, 2007