The new body found little support among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, although the members of the Council were respected, because it was felt that the appointed members had no mandate to speak on behalf of Indigenous people.
[1] On 15 January 2008, the Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin, announced that the NIC would be wound up.
[2][4] The terms of reference of the council were to provide expert advice to government on improving outcomes for Indigenous Australians.
[6] According to Minister Amanda Vanstone, the Council's goals would include such matters as facilitating early childhood development, improving safety for Indigenous women and children, and reducing welfare dependence.
Former Aboriginal football player Michael Long turned down a position on the board.