Mr McKim said the Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania (ALCT) and the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre (TAC) had contacted him to express concern about the process for the determination of eligibility.

The Policy on Eligibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific programs and services delivered by the Tasmanian Government was introduced in 2006 and is administered by the Office of Aboriginal Affairs in the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

"It is now several years since the current eligibility process commenced and it has proved to be very administratively complex and burdensome for those involved," Mr McKim said.

"Given the community concern, Cabinet has determined that it is time for a review of the policy."

Mr McKim emphasised that the review was not about determining who is, or is not, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person; rather, it is about reviewing the purpose and administration of the policy that determines who can access services and programs delivered by the Government specifically for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.

Mr McKim said the review would be conducted by an independent person from outside Government.

"The views of the Aboriginal community will be sought regarding the right person to conduct the review and I hope to announce an appointment in the next few weeks," Mr McKim said.

"I expect that the review will be conducted in several stages and it is likely the first month of the appointment will be spent working directly with the Aboriginal community, including the TAC and ALCT, on the best process for the review.

"This will include determining where meetings should be held to ensure as many people as possible can participate."

Mr McKim said he would ensure the independent reviewer would be given as much time as necessary as he saw in-depth consultation as a key to getting the review right.

"This review will not happen overnight," Mr McKim said.

"The consultations will happen wherever they need to and, given the geographically dispersed nature of the Aboriginal community in our State, this will take time.

"I expect the consultation will involve a considerable number of on-ground meetings around the State including on Cape Barren Island and Flinders Island."

The review will consider the application, effectiveness and value of the policy and generate options driven by the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community for the Government to retain, amend or replace the policy.

The recommendations generated by the review will be provided to the Aboriginal community and the Minister.

During the review period, applicants for Tasmanian Government programs and services will continue to be assessed in accordance with the existing policy.

Source: www.getliving.com.au