Row over rare indigenous disease grant – Ninemsn

February 17, 2014

The Abbott government has left the door open on providing taxpayer money to the Machado Josephs Disease Foundation, despite overturning a $10 million grant.

The previous Labor government had pledged the money to the foundation from the Aboriginal Benefit Account, which holds mining royalties generated from indigenous land in order to benefit communities.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion has overturned the grant arguing it was an improper use of the benefit account that would set an undesirable precedent.

“I have asked my department to work with the foundation to explore other more appropriate funding sources,” Senator Scullion said in a statement, adding he acknowledged the good work of the foundation.

Read more: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2014/02/17/19/44/row-over-rare-indigenous-disease-grant