Support urgently needed regarding Aboriginal Land Rights & Wed, 27 Oct 7.30pm AEDT online Forum on Aboriginal Land Rights

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Sabine Kacha

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Oct 22, 2021, 2:26:01 AM10/22/21

to STICS Announce

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Dear All,

Please join a significant online event on Wednesday, 27 October at 7.30pm AEDT when Prof. Jon Altman AM will be speaking about concerning amendments to the NT Aboriginal Land Rights Act in his talk “Land Rights at Risk, again? Evaluation of the Economic Empowerment Bill” as part of this year’s free Virtual Building Bridges by Reconciliation for Western Sydney. And 24 Nov Yiŋiya Mark Guyula’s talk will include Self-Determination, for further details, see: https://reconciliation4westernsydney.org/virtual-building-bridges-2021/

We are deeply concerned about the proposed amendments of the NT Aboriginal Land Rights Act, e.g. that there has been insufficient consultation with affected First Nations communities and Traditional Owners, that it will weaken Aboriginal land rights and undermine First Nations authority regarding mining processes.

The good news is that there will now be a Senate Inquiry which is due to report on 25 November and submissions will most likely be required by 8 November.

Inquiry details and to place in submissions have been posted at https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Finance_and_Public_Administration/ALREconomicEmpowerment

It is vital that we get as many submissions as possible into the Inquiry. We would be extremely grateful if you would send in your submission, as individuals and/or as part of your organisation or group.

Mr Guyula's official position on the The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment (Economic Empowerment) Bill 2021 is as follows:

Mr Guyula’s position is that the Bill should go to committee – as he has outlined in a letter to the Minister. This is the most significant piece of balanda law for Northern Territory Aboriginal Land Owners and it needs greater scrutiny and transparency. Consultation with Land Councils is vital but there also needs to be a broader discussion with TO’s out on country. The changes are significant and complex and Mr Guyula believes there should be an opportunity for further review, and possible amendments before being passed. Of significant concern to Yingiya is Section 1 of Medina’s paper.

For further background info please find attached a document prepared for the Institute for Cultural Survival Inc. and refer to my previous email of 7 October 21.

It is very concerning that consultations would be flawed again as we have seen for instance in 2011 with the Stronger Futures consultations. Please see, http://www.concernedaustralians.com.au/media/NT_Consultations_Report_2011.pdf

We’d greatly appreciate if you would kindly invite your friends to next week’s informative talk about these issues and share this info with your networks and/or social media.