In the wake of mounting criticism by both Aborigines and land
developers on the Mabo issue, The Federal Government will next
week present to State governments a proposed structure for
dealing with land claims under the historic Mabo decision.
Aboriginal groups have been angered by the announcement this
week...
...Despite assurances the Northern Territory deal would not
nullify any native titles Aborigines may have over the site,
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission yesterday
joined land councils in condemning the legislation.
The chairwoman of ATSIC, Ms Lois O'Donoghue, said the proposed
McArthur River legislation had jeopardised the plan by the
Prime Minister, Mr Keating, for reconciliation with
Aborigines.
She said Aborigines were not opposed to the mine but wanted
to negotiate on the matter.
"The deals apparently done between the Commonwealth and the
Northern Territory, however, have effectively undermined the
Aboriginal community's bargaining position in that negotiation
process," Ms O'Donoghue said.
"ATSIC have been saying for nearly a year now, since the Mabo
decision, that native title should be protected; that
negotiations should take place before native title is
extinguished; that Aboriginal communities should be partners
in development; and that the Commonwealth has a prime
responsibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Affairs.
"The Prime Minister has made some strong statements about
making peace with Australia's indigenous people and beginning
a new relationship with us through the reconciliation process
... but if this is the way things happen from now on,
reconciliation may not have much of a future."
.,..Reacting to reports that the Government would next week
make a clarification of its response to Mabo, the spokesman
said the Government would next week be writing to State
governments setting out its position, ahead of a premiers'
meeting next month.
(ends)