Orange LALC backs amendments to NSW Crown Lands Bill

The Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council has said changes to the NSW Government’s proposed Crown Lands legislation, announced today by Minister Steve Kamper, restore fairness and balance to the Bill.

The Council said the amendments protect Land Rights while giving certainty to sporting and community groups.

Amendments address Land Rights concerns

OLALC Chairperson Jamie Newman said the organisation had raised strong concerns about the earlier version of the Bill. He said the draft risked narrowing Land Rights by redefining how some Crown land use was assessed.

“Orange was very concerned that the previous version of the Bill would narrow Land Rights by treating leased or licensed abandoned and derelict Crown Land as lawfully used,” he said.

“We’re very pleased that the Minister has listened to these concerns so that claims like the one over the disused Paddington Bowls Club site will continue to be lawful.”

Mr Newman said OLALC had also proposed amendments that would limit the Minister’s discretionary powers, improve transparency, require consideration of how changes to leasing will impact land claims and ensure that Land Councils will be properly consulted prior to any Ministerial corrections being made to a lease.

Still chance to have a say

“To the Minister’s credit all of these amendments have been agreed to,” he said.

“We came at this issue with a very different point of view to that of the Minister, but quickly realised he was genuine and a person of integrity. Through a lot of hard work and openness on both sides we were able to reach common ground and ensure everyone’s interests are protected.”

Mr Newman said there was still an opportunity for other LALCs and NSWALC to have their say on the amendments.

“Orange is now happy with where the Bill is at, but that’s just the perspective of our community,” he said.

“We think it’s vital that all other LALCs and NSWALC look at what is proposed and have their say about whether the changes also resolve their concerns.”

Mr Newman outlined OLALC’s proposed amendments, which he said have been taken up by the Minister. The proposals included:

• Limiting the Minister’s discretionary powers
• Improving transparency in decision-making
• Requiring consideration of how leasing changes will impact land claims
• Ensuring Local Aboriginal Land Councils are properly consulted before any Ministerial corrections are made to a lease

Land Councils have until July 17 to comment on the proposed changes to the Bill. OLALC’s position is that broader input will help confirm whether the amendments satisfy the concerns raised across communities and ensure the resulting legislation is both balanced and transparent.