Local Aboriginal Land Councils unite on Crown Lands Bill
Aboriginal Land Council leaders from across NSW will gather in Orange at the end of this month to meet Crown Lands Minister, Steve Kamper, over concerns about planned legislative changes to Aboriginal Land Rights.
The Government has agreed to delay the legislation for four to six weeks to consider issues raised at the Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) forum.
Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council Chairperson, Jamie Newman, said it was essential that Land Rights leaders present their concerns directly to the Minister before the Bill is re-introduced. He warned the Government’s proposed changes could have serious consequences for local Aboriginal Land Councils and stressed the need for their views to be fully understood.
Call to engage constructively
“The Government’s proposed changes could severely impact local Aboriginal Land Councils. It’s vital the views of our network are understood before the legislation returns to the Parliament,” Mr Newman said.
“As Land Councils, we can’t sit on the sidelines and watch this Bill sail through parliament without having our voices heard. We ask government to listen to our concerns in good faith and work with us to address them.”
Key Points
- NSW Aboriginal Land Council leaders invited to Orange at end of April
- Meeting set with Crown Lands Minister, Steve Kamper, over Bill concerns
- Government delays legislation four to six weeks to consider forum issues
- Orange LALC says only local communities can speak for themselves
- Leaders seek changes to protect housing and economic development
- Organisers expect robust but constructive discussion with the Minister
- Media contacts listed as Gary Highland and Stephen Sykes
Mr Newman underscored that the network’s position should be heard prior to any return of the legislation to the Parliament. He called on the Government to engage constructively with LALCs to address identified issues.
“The Government’s proposed changes could severely impact local Aboriginal Land Councils.”
— Jamie Newman
The Government has agreed to delay the legislation for a further four to six weeks to allow the issues raised at the LALC forum to be considered.
Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council Chairperson, Jamie Newman.
“Orange LALC met with Minister Steve Kamper last week and made him aware of our strong concerns about the effects of the Bill on Orange. However, we explained to him that Orange could only speak for our own community,” Mr Newman said.
Robust discussion
“Local Aboriginal Land Councils know what’s best for our own communities. We’re hosting this forum to ensure local Aboriginal voices are heard at the highest levels of government.”
Mr Newman said he expected a very robust but ultimately constructive discussion.
“The Government have told us they intend to re-introduce this Bill and we believe they have the numbers to secure its passage. It’s vital we negotiate changes so it doesn’t prevent Land Councils being able to develop our land for housing and economic opportunities that will benefit the whole NSW community,” Mr Newman said.
