The Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations, Tricia Stroud, has confirmed the final deregistration of 324 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations for failing to lodge reports. As a result of this deregistration action, these corporations have now ceased to exist as legal entities and are no longer able to trade.

Ms Stroud had previously given notice to 371 corporations in October 2022 about her intention to deregister them for failing to lodge reports for the past two years. Since then, several corporations have lodged their overdue reports, ending possible deregistration action against them, however many did not.

Under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006, a corporation may be deregistered or face penalties of up to $34,375 for corporations and $6,875 for secretaries for each report not lodged, depending on the timing and circumstances of the offence. However, there is no fee for lodging reports.

Ms Stroud added that her office will continue to establish corporations that are no longer operating. "We are continuing to identify corporations who we believe are no longer operating and commencing action to deregister them,' Ms Stroud said. "They too will be deregistered if they don't get in touch with my office."

The Registrar has encouraged those who deal with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations to stay informed about their registration status and reporting compliance by checking the public register, which is free to access via oric.gov.au and is regularly updated.