In the post-ATSIC (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission) environment there is no move by the government to re-create a statutory-based national indigenous representative body. A new National Indigenous Advisory body is planned under the present coalition policy. The federal government further intends that consultation with indigenous people should occur through regionally based structures capable of monitoring cross-portfolio and bilateral program initiatives. The ultimate goals of the new arrangements are better coordination and integration in service delivery, resulting in improved outcomes for indigenous clients. What opportunity exists for anthropological expertise to contribute in these arrangements? Historically, anthropologists working with Australian indigenous people significantly influenced policy development and implementation. In some quarters they continue to be viewed as unquestioning advocates of indigenous positions. Given the limited space available here, the author writes from an acceptance that anthropologists should contribute to policy making while acknowledging that this is, nevertheless, a contentious assumption.
