18Inquiries relating to indigenous persons

18 Inquiries relating to indigenous persons

(1) The Commission must inquire into and report to the Minister upon any matters that the Minister refers to the Commission relating to: (a) works and services in respect of indigenous persons that are provided or funded (directly or indirectly) by the Commonwealth or an authority of the Commonwealth; or (b) a grant of financial assistance under section 96 of the Constitution to a State for the purpose of being applied by the State, or an authority of the State, to pay for works and services in respect of indigenous persons in the State; or (c) a grant of financial assistance made by the Commonwealth to a Territory, or an authority of the Territory, for the purpose of being applied by the Territory or the authority to pay for works and services in respect of indigenous persons in the Territory. (2) Subsection (1) applies whether or not: (a) the works or services are provided or funded exclusively in respect of Indigenous persons; or (b) the financial assistance is applied exclusively in respect of Indigenous persons.