National Indigenous Working Group on Native Title
Don't Become Complacent about the 10 Point Plan

Wendy Attenborough
(08) 9193 1523
(08) 9193 9118

7 May 97

Press Releases
Today's endorsement by Federal Cabinet of the Prime Minister's 10 Point Wik response is not unexpected, but is nonetheless a disappointment, Kimberley Land Council (KLC) executive director Peter Yu said today.

"For all the Prime Minister's public posturing about non-extinguishment, the Government's proposals will extinguish Indigenous native title rights,

"Aboriginal people - and the broader Australian community - should not become complacent about the Prime Minister's intent in this plan - it is not fair, it is not just, and it will extinguish our native title rights", said Mr Yu.

"The Plan represents an attack on the property rights of Indigenous Australians, whilst providing for a significant upgrade of the rights of pastoral leaseholders.

"If implemented, the Government's plan will mean that a small number of already wealthy corporate interests - including the national President of the National Party - may stand to gain full ownership of a vast amount of publicly owned Australian land.

"The public should be most concerned that the Government has been forced to bow to political pressure brought by the National Party when senior members of the Party have not had to declare their financial interests in the issue.

"When Kerry Packer pushes for changes to Australiašs media ownership laws he doesn't hide behind the skirts of the CWA newsletter - unlike the National Party who put up a facade of battered Akubras and hard done by farmers to mask what is really a land grab by the wealthy and powerful. This is shameful.

"Let's remember that the Wik decision was about the property rights of Indigenous Australians. It recognised that pastoral activities can co-exist with native title rights. It also confirmed the rights of pastoralists.

"We believe that there are better ways to give other groups the certainty they need than wiping out indigenous rights", continued Mr Yu.

Indigenous representatives support legislation to confirm the rights of pastoralists for pastoral activities.

Our position covers:

  • a workable proposal for coexistence on pastoral leases
  • a fair process for the validation of mining and other interests
  • a fair registration test to lodge native title claims
  • a stronger role for indigenous representative bodies to sort out problems with claims
  • maintaining the present right to negotiate
  • a flexible and efficient process for negotiating agreements
  • recognition of native title on indigenous reserve lands
  • heritage protection
  • an Indigenous Economic Empowerment Package
"Our position is a just and practical way of achieving fairness for everyone. The Prime Minister's plan only leaves the way open for court challenge, and a return to uncertainty.

"The 10 Point Plan commits the Government to continuing Aboriginal dependence on welfare and to increasing social and community dislocation.

"It means the Government will facilitate the development of an angry young generation of indigenous Australians who are outraged at a whole new round of dispossession.

"Wik provides an opportunity for the Prime Minister to be a leader, to assert a strong and powerful message to the nation about future relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

"Unfortunately, the 10 Point Plan makes Mr Howard's reputation of the likes of the Member for Oxley look very hollow indeed", concluded Mr Yu.