ANGER is growing among indigenous leaders who oversee the Aboriginals Benefit Account, with committee members claiming the federal government is using the $400 million kitty as a slush fund.
ABA committee members have taken the unusual step of publicly criticising Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin over Labor's administration of the fund, amid tension between it and the ministry over funding decisions.
They are particularly concerned that the costs of acquiring and administering township leases are being drawn from the indigenous fund.