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Wednesday 26 November 2003, Media Release

NSW GOVT ASKED TO HONOUR LABOR POLICY

The NSW Government will be asked to honour its own policy commitments to ensure proper account is taken of Aboriginal interests in a series of amendments to the proposed reforms to NSW natural resources management which are currently before State Parliament.

The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council and NSW Native Title Services say the reforms, which are currently being debated before Parliament, are totally at odds with key provisions of the Aboriginal Affairs platform of the NSW Branch of the Australian Labor Party as endorsed at its recent annual conference.

The draft legislation flies in the face of the Party's policy commitment that it consider the establishment of an Aboriginal Natural Resources Advisory Council to ensure the interests of Aboriginal people are "properly represented in government policy and decision making on natural resource issues."

Aboriginal interests have no meaningful role in the proposed new natural management resources regime.

This is not surprising, given there has been no meaningful consultation with Aboriginal interests.

NSWALC and NSWNTS have drafted a series of amendments to the package of bills currently before the Parliament which seek, amongst other things, to establish an Aboriginal Natural Resources Advisory Council, in line with ALP policy, and a Regional Aboriginal Natural Resources Committees in each catchment area in NSW.

Both organisations are hopeful the amendments will be supported by all parties when parliamentary debate resumes next month on the legislation.

William Johnstone
Chief Executive Officer, NSWALC

Warren Mundine
Chief Executive Officer, Native Title Services.