[Greens-Media] Greens concerned by Native Title 'reform'

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Greens concerned by Native Title 'reform'

"Changes to Native Title foreshadowed by the Attorney General are
unlikely to be in the best interests of Indigenous Australians," said
Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"Given the government's record on Land Rights -- with changes rammed
through the Senate last week which undermined Land Councils and
traditional owners -- we are concerned that the Government does not have
the best interests of Indigenous Australians at heart," she said.

Senator Siewert raised serious concerns about the Government's real
agenda in pushing through a raft of changes to 'reform' the relationship
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to their land.

"We have real concerns about what will be contained in the detail of
this legislation - particularly because of the Government's well-known
dismissive attitude towards Aboriginal consultation."
The Greens are keen to work with other parties and community
organisations to ensure a thorough consultation process. 
"We will be talking extensively to Aboriginal groups to share what we've
been able to find out about the changes and making sure their views are
heard," she said. 

"We do not want to see more legislation being brought to the Parliament
that makes major changes to people's lives without them being aware of
it."

For more information or comment call


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