NSWALC welcomes changes to NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act
Thursday 13^th November 2014

The New South Wales Aboriginal Land congratulates NSW Aboriginal Affairs Minister Victor Dominello after the Aboriginal Land Rights Amendment Bill (ALRA) 2014 was passed in Parliament yesterday evening.

NSWALC Chairman Craig Cromelin has endorsed the ALRA amendments.

"This Bill will empower LALC's and is a positive step in the right direction for Land Rights and we commend Minister Dominello on his respectful and collaborative approach during the review process which we believe was done in  genuine consultation with the communities across NSW." he said.

However, Mr Cromelin cautiously welcomes the section of the Bill which will allow Aboriginal Land Councils and government to negotiate land agreements to resolve Land Claims, outside of the rigid structures of the current legislative scheme.

"It's great if we can achieve great outcomes through the new process, however, with the recent introduction of the Crown Land Amendment Bill, which sought to stop claims on Coastal Land in NSW, we are now concerned whether negotiations over land claims will be done in good faith." he said.

NSWALC CEO Les Turner also welcomes the Bill.

"While it's not perfect, there are many key reforms which can only benefit Aboriginal people but we will continue to pursue our concerns with the NSW Government." he said.

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Media contact: Angela Bates 0475387606