10 August 2016

NSWALC talks economic development with Minister Scullion

A meeting of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has congratulated Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion on his reappointment to the Turnbull Government ministry.

Minister Scullion was invited to meet with the NSWALC Councillors in Sydney this week where they discussed a range of issues including economic development and procurement policy.

NSWALC Chair Roy Ah-See said the Land Rights network was strongly focused on economic development as the best way to generate jobs and opportunities for Aboriginal people in New South Wales.

"In New South Wales, our strong Land Rights system empowers us to claim certain lands as freehold title.

"Minister Scullion understands that in New South Wales, Local Aboriginal Land Councils are in a strong position to make their own decisions about how they use their land.

"In many instances, Local Aboriginal Land Councils are key players in local economies, engaged in a range of economic activity including tourism, property development, agriculture and small business.

"The NSW Aboriginal Land Council is also supporting our Local Aboriginal Land Councils through a five-year $16 million economic development strategy to build capacity in the network and a loans system for investment-ready proposals.

"The NSW Aboriginal Land Council was able to brief Minister Scullion on the Land Rights network's plans for the State and to reiterate our desire to work cooperatively with government to improve living standards for Aboriginal people in New South Wales."

Media contact: Andrew Williams 0429 585 291