An ATSIC representative says there is too much duplication and waste among
multi-million-dollar Aboriginal services.

A far north Queensland ATSIC Council wants nationwide reform.

The Cairns and District Regional Council's chairman Terry O'Shane says
Aboriginal health, education and housing groups operate as independent
entities - duplicating responsibilities and sometimes working against each
other.

"Duplications costs a lot of money and I understand there's four women's
organisations in Cairns alone," he said.

"There's two housing organisations in Cairns alone. There's seven housing
organisations."

Mr O'Shane plans to rationalise the groups this year, saying it would
ultimately improve health and education.

He says there will be a small number of job losses.