Funding shortfall threatens First People's Congress

SBS World News Radio: The National Congress of Australia's First Peoples is likely to cease operating at the end of 2017 if it can't secure ongoing funding.

Jackie Huggins (AAPImage/Alan Porritt) NO ARCHIVING Source: AAP

A high-profile group representing Indigenous Australians says it's likely to cease operating at the end of next year if it can't secure ongoing funding.

 

In 2014, the federal government defunded the National Congress of Australia's First Peoples refusing to provide it with another $15 million over three years.

 

In May, Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion criticised the organisation for asking for more money, saying it's already spent tens of millions and the funds were not well spent.

 

Congress co-chair Doctor Jackie Huggins has told Greg Dyett she's hoping to have more meetings with the government in the hope of what she calls resetting the relationship.