[Greens-Media] Mining companies queried on land access

[Ludlam, Scott (Sen R. Siewert)]

Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for WA

Tuesday, 5 September 2006
Mining companies queried on land access

Senator Rachel Siewert has written to the directors of Gleneagle Gold
Ltd and Sandfire Resources to inquire about their conduct on the Wajarri
and Ngarlawangga Native Title lands in Western Australia. 

"The Traditional Owners of these lands were the first ones in Western
Australia to have been granted Native Title. Having prevailed over the
indignity of having to prove their connection to country in a white
court, they are now appealing for these exploration companies to respect
their legal rights," Senator Siewert said.
 
"There are well established legal processes in place guiding the conduct
of mining companies on Native Title lands," Senator Siewert said.

"According to representatives of the Traditional Owners, most companies
are playing by the rules. I would like to know first-hand what the
directors of Gleneagle and Sandfire understand to be their obligations
to the owners of the country they are operating on."

The Commonwealth Government will soon be bringing amendments to the
Native Title Act before the Senate. "While mining peak bodies have
applauded these proposals, allegations such as those arising from the
activities of Gleneagle and Sandfire emphasise that the rights of Native
Title holders may not be protected," Senator Siewert concluded.

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