22 June 1998
The National Indigenous Working Group on Native Title said that Indigenous rights should not be held to ransom in a bid to avoid a double dissolution election.
The NIWG's Executive Officer, Olga Havnen today said that Indigenous people would be gravely concerned that Senator Brian Harradine would consider capitulating on the Federal Government's native title amendments to save the Coalition Government.
"We understand that Senator Harradine is in a difficult position, but he shouldn't compromise on the Government's Ten Point Plan at the expense of Indigenous people's rights," said Ms Havnen.
"The Federal Government has continuously played politics with our rights, but we shouldn't have to pay for the Federal Government's lack of leadership in relation to One Nation.
"If Senator Harradine is forced into the situation where he has to endorse the Government's Ten Point Plan then he will only be continuing the injustice and denial of Indigenous rights.
"The High Court quite clearly defined our legal native title rights which should have brought about a fundamental change in the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. But this Government has consistently ignored the umpire's decision and sought to legislate our rights away.
"If Senator Harradine makes a deal with the Prime Minister that sees a further reduction in our right to negotiate on native title then the Government will have achieved its "bucket loads of extinguishment" and native title will exist in name only.
"If this happens Australia will forever be a diminished nation and I don't think all fair minded Australians would want that to happen."
Contact: Ursula Raymond 0417 803 425
National Indigenous Working Group
