[Greens-Media] Land Rights Bill a recipe for more poverty: 25, 000 signatories agree

[Ludlam, Scott (Sen R. Siewert)]

Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for WA

Wednesday, 9 August 2006

Land Rights Bill a recipe for more poverty: 25,000 signatories agree

This afternoon the Greens will jointly present a GetUp petition with
25,000 signatures on the Land Rights Act amendment with the ALP and
Democrats. 

The petition calls on the Senate to delay voting to allow time for
proper consideration.
"If the Government is really concerned about economic development in
Aboriginal communities it should listen to Aboriginal people instead of
ploughing on with these rushed and misguided amendments to the Land
Rights Act," Senator Siewert said.

"There are a range of impediments to economic development in Aboriginal
communities, and the Government appears not in the least bit interested
in any of them." 

"The Greens know that the lack of economic development opportunities on
Aboriginal land urgently need to be addressed, and we will support moves
that we are convinced will be effective and have community support,"
Senator Siewert said. 

For example, the Greens have urged the Government to:

*	increase positive incentives to encourage business and
employment opportunities for Aboriginal people. 
*	Increase education and training for people in Aboriginal
communities
*	Improve infrastructure in remote communities
*	streamline processes and get rid of unnecessary red tape.

"But the Government isn't really interested in economic development in
Aboriginal communities, it is only interested in its own agenda of
undermining land councils and traditional owners" said Senator Siewert.

For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au