Report shows agreements are the way forward
| 08/04/2005 |
National Native Title Tribunal President Graeme Neate has welcomed the release of a wide-ranging report, which supports negotiated outcomes to indigenous land issues and a whole of government approach to resolving disputes over land and water.
Mr Neate said the report, released today by Aboriginal and Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma, recognised the need for sustainable and enduring agreements between parties to avoid long and costly disputes.
‘The Commissioner's report has pointed out the need for all parties involved in native title matters to sit down and negotiate so that everyone's rights and interests are protected,’ Mr Neate said.
‘He has also recognised the potential for native title related agreements to deliver social and economic benefits to Indigenous Australians. Mediated outcomes can avoid the heavy financial costs and emotional stress of enduring long litigated proceedings with unpredictable outcomes.’
Mr Neate said the Native Title Act had delivered positive results to many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by enabling some groups to have their native title recognised and many groups to negotiate economically beneficial agreements.
‘The Tribunal fully supports an approach to native title and related matters that builds partnerships, resolves disputes over land and waters and delivers real benefits to all stakeholders,’ he said. ‘We work to bring parties together for that purpose.’
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| Charlie Wilson-Clark |
| 08 9268 7315 |
| 0419 441 504 |
| Nicolette Kormendy |