This working paper is based on a literature search conducted to identify and review relevant Australian and overseas research that is of relevance to Indigenous competition and consumer protection matters. The focus of the literature search has been on matters of relevance to Indigenous communities throughout Australia related to the Trade Practices Act 1974 (TPA). Results of the literature search suggest that most research conducted to date has focused on issues associated with Indigenous community stores and consumer banking.

The ability of people to manage and budget their incomes, arrange to pay third parties, purchase food, goods and services, and maintain a level of financial and economic independence and planning, all rely on maintaining informed access to appropriate banking and financial services.

A study of the Tangentyere Bank Pilot Project is important, as it is often cited as a ‘best practice’ model of financial service provision and financial literacy training (see McDonnell and Westbury 2002). For this reason, this report focuses on aspects of the Tangentyere project that may be applied to other Aboriginal communities in central Australia.