[Greens-Media] Native title system needs overhaul - report

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Native title system needs overhaul - report 
Tuesday 9th December 2008

The Australian Greens today responded to the release of a Native Title
Working Group report, pointing to the need for an overhaul of the
system.

"Australia's approach to native title is heavily swayed away from
Indigenous Australians, denying them the right to be properly informed,
involved or otherwise represented," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

"This report found that only twelve of the hundreds of agreements in
place across the country provided substantial benefits to Indigenous
Australians. That is a totally unacceptable number, and a clear
indication that something is wrong." 

"The native title system has become too complex, too legalistic and too
bureaucratic. It hinders rather than helps Indigenous people towards the
full realisation of their rights." said Senator Siewert.

"It is clear that we need to restructure priorities to stress the
importance of sustainable economic development, equitable Indigenous
representation and Government investment in education, facilitation and
implementation."

"For a report that makes some important recommendations, I'm
disappointed at the short notice given for the public information
sessions - which start across the country today. This report was only
released on Friday 5th December, with little publicity. Members of the
public have had less than a week to find out about and attend
information sessions."

"If the Rudd Government is truly committed to closing the gap between
Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians, there needs to be an overhaul
of native title to ensure the system delivers real benefits to
Aboriginal people," she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180