This issues paper addresses the following three questions:
* First, what lessons can be learned from mechanisms for representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at the national, State/ Territory or regional level that have previously existed or that are currently in place?
* Second, what lessons can be learned from mechanisms for representing Indigenous peoples that have been established in other countries?
* And third, what options are there for ensuring that a National Indigenous Representative Body is sustainable?

The research identifies the many and varied issues that need to be considered in the formulation of a new representative body. It does not propose a model for the body itself.