Karri Karrak happy to discuss Settlement, ‘but it’s not just financial’
The Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation in Western Australia has welcomed discussion about the future of T he Settlement after the recent publication of the Noongar 2050 proposal but has been quick to point out that much of what has been presented already exists.
“Constructive ideas and healthy debate have an important place in ensuring the Settlement continues to mature and respond to the aspirations of current and future generations, a Corporation statement said this week.
“However, it is equally important that these discussions accurately reflect the governance, institutions and opportunities that already exist under the Settlement.
Significant work underway
“Noongar people deserve a conversation that begins with an accurate overview of what has already been negotiated, what has already been established and the significant work that is already underway.”
“The South West Native Title Settlement is not simply a financial settlement,” the statement added, alluding to the Nyoongar 2050 proposal, presented by former Federal Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt and Nyoongar businessman Gerry Matera as a plan for better sovereign wealth.
“The strength of the Settlement lies not in creating new institutions, but in ensuring the ones Noongar people fought so hard to establish continue to grow stronger,” Professor Stephen van Leeuwen, chair of the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation, said.
The Noongar Future Fund is also not a future concept – it already exists, the corporation has reiterated.
An ongoing journey
“The Settlement provides for a dedicated Investment Committee responsible for monitoring investment performance and maximising the long-term growth of the Fund while protecting its capital for future generations.
“Through the Noongar Relationship Committee, the Noongar Regional Corporations receive regular reports on the performance of the Noongar Boodja Trust.”
Karri Karrak has acknowledged that implementation of the Settlement is an ongoing journey and that there will always be opportunities to strengthen how it delivers for Noongar people.
“We have consistently advocated for stronger implementation of the Settlement through our advocacy regarding the Noongar Land Estate and cultural heritage reform in particular, the statement said.
Collaborative approach
“The Settlement was never intended to be static. It was deliberately designed to evolve through review, collaboration and increasing Noongar leadership and the governance structures, investment oversight and review mechanisms already exist to fulfil that role.
“Our collective responsibility is not to recreate them, but to strengthen them and continue implementing the vision that Noongar people negotiated and endorsed over two decades.
The corporation said it remained committed to working collaboratively to ensure the South West Native Title Settlement continues to evolve and deliver meaningful outcomes for all Noongar people.
“Above all, our responsibility is to the Noongar community and to ensuring the Settlement fulfils the promise negotiated on behalf of current and future generations,” it said.
