The National President of ANTaR says Mabo Day is a reminder that improvements are still needed in our Native Title laws and processes.
Dr Peter Lewis said Native Title reform would deliver significant opportunities not only for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, but also for the wider Australian community.
“Making the system fairer and less onerous, and providing the right for Native Title holders to have genuine control over what happens on their land will deliver practical benefits as well as proper recognition of rights,” Dr Lewis said.
“The recent address by former Prime Minister Paul Keating pointed out some of the flaws and injustices in the current Native Title regime. His is just the latest call for improving fairness in this area. “The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner has made a number of recommendations in his Native Title Reports each year.
“There have also been reform proposals put forward in federal Parliament, both by Independent MP Rob Oakeshott and by the Greens, which are currently the subject of a Senate Inquiry.
"ANTaR has also long campaigned for reform in this area. This should include reversing the onus of proof on Native Title claimants by introducing a presumption of continuity, clarifying the obligation to negotiate in good faith, and redefining the meaning of 'traditional' to better recognise the inevitable evolution of laws and customs over time.
“The case is clear that reform is needed. It is up to us all to work together to address that need."
“The potential presented by the initial High Court judgement and the Native Title Act passed by the parliament in 1993 for proper redress and increased opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people has not been fully realised."
“Mabo Day is a reminder of the immense determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to fight for proper recognition of their status as the original inhabitants of the lands and waters that make up present-day Australia".
“But Mabo Day is not just about celebrating past struggles. It is also about acknowledging that there is still unfinished business for our nation in this area," Dr Lewis concluded.
Media contact: ANTaR National President - Peter Lewis 0400 586 617