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Native Title rights can generate prosperity
Reg Dodd, with two-year-old Jayden Stewart and other Arabana children, and Federal Court judge Paul Finn on land returned to the Arabana people in May 2012. Picture: Mark Brake. Source: The Advertiser
supplied by Min Scullion’s office 22 May 2014
T
he Deloitte Access Economics’ Review of roles and functions of Native Title Organisations was released by the Australian Government. Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, released the report at a meeting with key native title stakeholders at the Native Title Representative Body Forum in Canberra. The Minister said the review examined the role and functions of native title organisations, 20 years after the establishment of the native title system. “The review explores the different roles of native title organisations in a changing native title environment,” the Minister said. “The number of determined
claims and native title holding groups has grown considerably in recent years. “At the same time, there have been concerns about whether native title rights have been managed effectively and are delivering benefits to native title groups and their communities. “Determined native title now covers more than 20 per cent of Australia’s landmass, with at least a further 40 per cent subject to claims. “There are more than 250 determined claims and about 120 native title organisations responsible for holding and managing native title rights and benefits, with these numbers set to increase over time.” “Native title rights can generate prosperity by linking land to economic development and jobs and this must be at the forefront,”
the Minister said. Minister Scullion said over the coming months he would continue engaging with native title organisations, representative bodies, service providers, and state and territory governments to seek their views about the best way forward. “It is great to be meeting with Native Title Representative bodies today to talk about their challenges and aspirations for native title and economic development,” the Minister said. The review was commissioned by the Australian Government in 2012 and included extensive stakeholder consultations. The Government will consider the findings of the review and provide a formal response in the near future. The review is available at http:// www.dpmc.gov.au/publications/ index.cfm
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