<< BACK TO ISSUES
NATIVE TITLE CONFERENCE, COFFS HARBOUR, 1-3 JUNE 2005
STATEMENT BY NATIVE TITLE REPRESENTATIVE BODIES
(In reference to proposed changes to communal land ownership)
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' communal ownership of land is based on an enduring cultural and spiritual connection to Country.
Native Title Representative Bodies reject current proposals to lease Aboriginal land and native title land for 99 years to Government bodies or individuals as this removes the economic, social and cultural control of these lands from traditional owners - leaving them with only symbolic recognition.
Native Title Representative Bodies confirmed:
- Aboriginal land and Native Title land are not property rights under
Australian law which recognise the ancestral birthright of Aboriginal
people.
- These rights reflect fundamental human rights under International standards, including the right to the protection of culture and the right to own and inherit property.
Native Title Representative Bodies called for the National Indigenous Council:
- to commit to the recognition and protection of Aboriginal land
and Native Title land, including the right of traditional owners to
develop their own land;
- to reject the 99 year leasing proposal currently under consideration.
Native Title Representative Bodies called for the Commonwealth Government:
- to commit to the recognition and protection of Aboriginal land
and Native Title land, including the right of traditional owners to
develop their own land;
- to reject the 99 year leasing proposal;
- to develop a formal structure of engagement and consultation with
Native Title Representative Bodies regarding land rights, native title
and heritage issues;
- to commit to assisting traditional owners of Aboriginal land or native title land to enter into partnerships with business entities so that development occurs on a commercial basis."
