Navigating ORIC’s Regulatory Posture 2026 with key insights and practical takeaways

Supported by the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC), the Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations (Registrar) has recently released their 2026 Regulatory Posture. This document outlines the governance, compliance and enforcement priorities that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations should be concerned with in the year ahead. You can read the Regulatory Posture here.

In this overview, we summarise the key areas of focus and provide some practical ideas and takeaways for Aboriginal corporations in response.

ORIC Focus Area 1: Roles of CEOs and Directors

Directors and CEOs play an important role in the governance and management of a corporation. The Registrar has identified that there may be some confusion within corporations about the particular roles of directors and CEOs.

The Registrar is concerned about blurred lines between governance and operational management, which could raise concerns for accountability. A key focus will be on ensuring directors understand their responsibilities as employers, including oversight of workplace safety, psychosocial risk and organisational culture.

Your board may wish to consider:

ORIC Focus Area 2: Related Party Benefits and Conflicts

The Registrar has made it clear that related party benefits will remain a key focus in 2026. The Registrar expects corporations to follow statutory approval processes and keep members properly informed whenever required. By prioritising transparency and actively managing potential conflicts of interest, corporations can strengthen governance and maintain member confidence.

Your board may wish to consider:

ORIC Focus Area 3: Winding up 

The Registrar has signalled that it will take stronger enforcement action against corporations that repeatedly fail to meet their statutory obligations or comply with notices. In serious cases, especially where corporations hold assets and continue to experience governance failures, the Registrar may move to wind up (close down) the corporation.

To stay ahead of ORIC’s regulatory action, your board may wish to consider:

ORIC Focus Area 4: Member Rights

The Registrar continues to emphasise that corporations operate for the benefit of its members. The Registrar expects boards to ensure members can exercise their statutory rights and that directors follow rule books and legislative requirements in practice, not just in principle. The Registrar views strong and active member engagement as a clear indicator of healthy governance.

Your board may wish to consider:

ORIC Focus Area 5: Sector Focussed Examinations

Municipal service providers play a vital role in many communities, particularly where people have few or no alternative options. ORIC plans to closely examine the financial and governance systems of these organisations through examinations to ensure they remain strong, sustainable and equipped to keep delivering essential services to their communities.

Your board may wish to consider:

Other Areas of Interest

In addition to the Registrar’s key focus areas, your corporation may also wish to consider:

• Are there any unworkable elements in the rule book? Would your corporation benefit from a holistic or topic-specific review of its rule book?
• Is the corporation keeping up to date records in compliance with the CATSI Act requirements? Are there any outstanding matters for the board or management to address?
• Do directors understand the nature of their duties? Would the board benefit from additional board governance training and resources?

Assistance from Jackson McDonald

Jackson McDonald’s experienced team can assist your corporation navigate ORIC’s 2026 regulatory priorities, strengthen governance and compliance frameworks and meet its statutory employment obligations.

If you would like more information or assistance, please contact Emma Chinnery at echinnery@jacmac.com.au