| The National Native Title Tribunal has welcomed the announcement of the Victorian Native Title Settlement Framework that will allow traditional owners to negotiate directly with the State to settle native title claims, rather than go through the courts.
This morning Victorian Attorney-General, Rob Hulls, described the framework as a model for an out of court settlement, which sets out policy parameters for negotiations in Victoria.
Mr Hulls said it would result in quicker resolution of claims, stronger partnerships with Indigenous Victorians, and better outcomes including increased economic opportunities.
Tribunal President, Graeme Neate, said native title had delivered benefits for many people, including some Victorian groups, but there was always room for improvement – in terms of both the legal procedures and the approach of parties.
“Due to a history of dispossession of Aboriginal groups in Victoria it has been difficult for some groups to prove their native title in this State,” he said.
“Claimants must prove they have maintained an ongoing connection to their traditional country since the British Crown asserted its sovereignty. This is particularly difficult for claimants in areas where there has been extensive settlement and grants of titles to land over the past century and a half.”
Mr Neate acknowledged the successful outcomes the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagalk groups of the Wimmera region and Gunditjmara People of the south-west region had achieved under the Native Title Act.
Those groups had their native title rights and interests recognised through consent determinations and also benefited from broader agreements developed with the State Government.
“We welcome the initiative the Victorian Government and the Victorian Traditional Owner Land Justice Group have taken in establishing a framework that aims to make it easier for groups to resolve native title claims, while building strong partnerships and creating economic opportunities.
“We hope the framework will lead to more timely and effective native title and related outcomes through the development of agreements that respect all parties’ rights and interests.
“The Tribunal is ready to assist with the implementation of the new framework to deliver outcomes that address the needs of all parties,” Mr Neate said. |