ANTaR today responded to media reports of the recently-leaked draft report on the proposed Victorian Native Title Settlement Framework as representing a potential positive breakthrough in relations between Victorian First Peoples and non-indigenous Victorians.

"If the reports are accurate and traditional owners find no 'devils in the detail' of the report, the Victorian Native Title Settlement Framework could become not only a framework for delivering a measure of land justice to the First Peoples of Victoria but lay a foundation for real reconciliation in the State," ANTaR Victoria President, Peter Lewis, said today.

"ANTaR has been advocating for joint management of Crown land and national parks since our inception as part of our belief in negotiated settlements and co-existence", Mr Lewis said.

"Even more significantly, the report recognises the injustice of historic dispossession in Victoria and how Koorie traditional culture has been dismissed through the adversarial court processes."

"The proposed reforms offer real opportunity for positive benefits to flow from native title through economic development and employment as well as social, cultural and environmental benefits, and could also have positive implications for native title processes in other states and territories."

"ANTaR hopes that the Victorian Government is serious about land justice for traditional owners in this state."

"While we await the considered response of traditional owners and the consideration of the State government, it is important that the rest of the community realises that this should be a positive step forward for all Victorians. There is nothing to fear from delivering justice to First Peoples."

"We hope that the Victorian Native Title Settlement Framework may lead to a maturity in relationships and play an important role in 'closing the gap'."

Media contact: Peter Lewis 0400 586 617