Aboriginal Land Council leaders from across NSW have been invited to Orange at the end of April to meet with Crown Lands Minister, Steve Kamper over their concerns about planned legislative changes to Aboriginal Land Rights.
Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council Chairperson, Jamie Newman said it was essential that local Land Rights leaders have the opportunity to discuss their concerns with the Minister.
"The Government's proposed changes could severely impact local Aboriginal Land Councils. It's vital the views of our network are understood before the legislation returns to the Parliament," Mr Newman said.
"As Land Councils, we can't sit on the sidelines and watch this Bill sail through parliament without having our voices heard. We ask government to listen to our concerns in good faith and work with us to address them." Mr Newman said that Orange had proposed changes to the legislation, but it was vital that all Local Aboriginal Land Councils are given the opportunity to have their say.
The Government has agreed to delay the legislation for a further four to six weeks to allow the issues raised at the LALC forum to be considered.
"Orange LALC met with Minister Steve Kamper last week and made him aware of our strong concerns about the effects of the Bill on Orange. However, we explained to him that Orange could only speak for our own community."
"Local Aboriginal Land Councils know what's best for our own communities. We're hosting this forum to ensure local Aboriginal voices are heard at the highest levels of government," he said.
Mr Newman said he expected a very robust but ultimately constructive discussion.
"The Government have told us they intend to re-introduce this Bill and we believe they have the numbers to secure its passage. It's vital we negotiate changes so it doesn't prevent Land Councils being able to develop our land for housing and economic opportunities that will benefit the whole NSW community," Mr Newman said.
