NT: Aboriginal interests key to new Native Title system

AAP General News (Australia)
12-16-2008
NT: Aboriginal interests key to new Native Title system

By Tara Ravens

DARWIN, Dec 16 AAP - Aboriginal communities would be better served by a native title
system that guarantees they benefit from mining and industry, a Northern Territory MP
says.

The federal government has released a Native Title discussion paper which will look
at options for improving the system, in particular issues relating to mining and infrastructure
payments.

Federal Labor MP Warren Snowdon, from the NT seat of Lingiari, on Tuesday said it was
vital that any makeover of the system protects the rights of Aboriginal people.

"The native title system should ensure that current and future generations of indigenous
owners benefit from mining and industry," he said.

"It clearly needs to be more flexible and better cater for different communities, different
needs and different companies."

Mr Snowdon called on territorians to bring their experiences to the table and secure
future employment opportunities.

"Territorians (need to) share their ideas on everything from how to make agreements
more sustainable, through to thoughts on the role of government," Mr Snowdon said.

"Native title and property rights are central to any efforts to develop remote economies,
and the legislation should truly support opportunities for indigenous people."

Mr Snowdon said although mining operations were a significant contributor to the NT
economy, they had so far failed to bolster remote communities.

"They have never met their potential in addressing entrenched disadvantage in the indigenous
communities they neighbour, and whose country they work," he said.

Submissions to the discussion paper close on February 13 next year.

AAP tr/it/bwl

KEYWORD: NATIVE TITLE

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