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April 4 2002, Media Release

NSWALC WELCOMES COURT DECISION

The Chairman of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Rod Towney, has welcomed a favourable decision handed down by the Supreme Court on Wednesday in the case between Lester and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC).

"With this decision behind us, we are eager to re-focus our attention on our 120 Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the internal restructure of our organisation, which is bearing real fruit for NSWALC and our community."

The judgment followed a Supreme Court hearing in March in which Councillor Robert Lester, who was removed from the office of Treasurer by Council resolution in December 2001, argued that his removal was outside the powers of NSWALC and that he was denied procedural fairness in his removal.

Justice Adams ruled that Cr Lester was not denied procedural fairness and dismissed the proceedings, ordering Cr Lester to pay NSWALC's court costs.

Chairman Towney said that the judgment reflected the recent amendments to the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act which are expected to be proclaimed in July this year. The amendments will articulate the power of NSWALC to remove its office bearers and ensure the office bearer the right of reply before the motion is put to the vote.

"We've been pushing for changes to the Land Rights Act for many years and this decision reinforces that we are on the right track. The changes include a raft of new policies and procedures that will assist the Land Council Network achieve its goals in an open and accountable way."

"NSWALC is also now reaping the benefits of organisational and structural changes following the appointment of Mr Jeffrey Bradford to the newly established position of CEO.

"With the amendments and new organisational structure, we look forward to taking the Land Council network to a new level of effectiveness and commitment in working for self determination and the rights of our people. "