MICHAEL GRAVENER VS MABUNJI ABORIGINAL RESOURCE INDIGENOUS CORPORATION (Mabunji) (ICN 8252)
October 24th, 25th, 26th, 28th October 2016
Federal Court Darwin, Supreme Court Building, Civic Square.
Commencing October 24th Michael Gravener, whistleblower, and former CEO of the Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Indigenous Corporation (MARIC), will allege in the Darwin Federal Court he was incorrectly dismissed from his job whilst uncovering and working to rectify serious irregularities within the corporation. Last year Mr. Gravener was terminated instantly on August 11th, nine weeks into his employment.
MARIC provide a range of services, funded through the Northern Territory and Federal Governments, in the largely Aboriginal town of Borroloola, situated in the Gulf of Carpentaria.
The Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) investigated MARIC. The Compliance Notice – s439-20(1), a public document, was released in December 2015 and confirmed serious governance and financial irregularities.
Mr. Gravener has had extensive experience working with Aboriginal communities for 20 years. As a Whistleblower he has found himself unemployable and will fight to clear his name of the false and damaging accusations.
A select few, mostly outsiders, in remote community corporations, and other supporting entities allow corruption to flourish with impunity in communities and the ‘Aboriginal Industry’.
Mr Gravener is seeking justice not only for himself but also for the Aboriginal community of Borroloola.
Georgina Gartland
