A letter from the National Indigenous Working Group on Native Title to John Howard

Thank you for sending a copy of your ten point plan, received today. A detailed response will be forthcoming shortly.

The National Indigenous Working Group (NIWG) has been meeting in Canberra for the last two days to discuss its position on the Wik case and the Government's proposed amendments to the Native Title Act 1993. You would be aware that we held a press conference yesterday and expressed concerns about the process you have followed in developing your 10 point plan and the positions stated in that plan.

The NIWG clearly stated at the conference that it is still willing to negotiate but, at this moment, it has no evidence of good faith, and no encouragement to do so.

The NIWG wishes to now confirm that it proposes to suspend any further discussions with the Government until it receives your detailed response to its position.

The NIWG position, delivered to you on 12 April, and put into the public arena, unlike those put by stakeholders, takes account of all interests. It represented a considered and principled means of solving the concerns of all parties regarding native title. Accordingly, the NIWG believes it should be entitled to receive a detailed response from the Government. In particular, the process of resolving the complex issues relating to native title could be hastened if the Government identified areas of common ground, or matter raised in the proposal which are acceptable to it.

Once the NIWG has your detailed response, it will then be in a position to judge whether or not any discussions can usefully occur.

The NIWG awaits your earliest reply.

Yours sincerely

(Signed by members)