Dillon the ATSIC compromise candidate

00-00-0000
Dillon the ATSIC compromise candidate

Tasmanian RODNEY DILLON is standing for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commissionchairmanship as a non-aligned, compromise candidate.

Mr DILLON -- the Tasmanian ATSIC commissioner -- says he'll put his hand up for Thursday'selection in Canberra.

Up to five of the 18 commissioners will stand for the position held by Victorian GEOFF CLARK.

The others are Mr CLARK, his deputy RAY ROBINSON of Queensland, the Northern Territory'sKIM HILL and possibly STEVE GORDON of New South Wales.

Mr DILLON he'll present himself as a chairman who has no time for factions and enmitiesthat have hurt ATSIC.

Mr DILLON has concentrated on indigenous sea rights and on cultural issues, especiallythe campaign to have Aboriginal remains returned from overseas.

AAP RTV dw/jtb/rp

KEYWORD: ATSIC DILLON (HOBART)