Australian Government announces Native Title reforms

The Australian Government announced it will drive reforms to the Native Title Act 1993 (Commonwealth)

According to Attorney-General, Nicola Roxon the Government will improve the flexibility and scope of Indigenous Land Use Agreements, create clear requirements for good faith in negotiations and allow parties to form agreements about historical extinguishment of native title in parks and reserves.
The Government will also clarify that income tax and capital gains tax will not apply to payments from a native title agreement. Ms Roxon also said that the Government would consult extensively on the terms of legislative change.

The Minister for Families, Communities and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin also announced the terms of reference for a review of native title organisations, to ensure the system is delivering for Indigenous people and communities. The review will examine not only Native Title Representative Bodies and Native Title Service Providers, but also consider the role and impact of other service providers to native title groups.

The Australian Government also announced $7.8 million extra funding to support native title groups, to be allocated in the following manner:

  •  $5.4 million to The Aurora Education Foundation to expand their current training, professional development and scholarship program for native title organisations
  • $2.4 million to continue the important work of the native title research unit of Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

To see the Green Party response to the Governments Native Title Reforms visit the Green Party website


 

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