[Greens-Media] Bad Day for Land Rights

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Bad Day for Land Rights


"This will be marked as a tragic day for land rights in Australia," said
Senator Rachel Siewert today.

Today saw amendments to Northern Territory Land Rights Act pass through
the Senate.

"It became obvious during the debate that this is just part of the
Government's renewed paternalistic approach to Aboriginal Australians."

"They are simply telling communities of their intentions, not listening
to their concerns or seeking agreement or compromise," she said.

In some cases this involved merely telling the NT government or the land
councils at a very late stage, and then claiming it was their
responsibility to ensure the communities directly affected knew of these
radical changes.

"The Government isn't interested in economic development and improving
living conditions in Aboriginal communities, it is only interested in
its own agenda of undermining land councils and traditional owners" said
Senator Siewert.
For more informaiton or comments

Chris Twomey

Personal Advisor

Senator Rachel Siewert

Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia

WA office: 08 9228 3277 Canberra: 02 6277 3587

mobile: 0407 725 025

www.rachelsiewert.org.au