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.

ANTaR has welcomed the introduction yesterday by Greens Senator Rachel Siewert of a Private Members Bill to deliver improved outcomes for native title claimants.

“This bill seeks to address some of the key barriers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face in seeking fair and beneficial outcomes from the native title system,” said Jacqueline Phillips, ANTaR National Director.

ANTaR welcomes the reports being launched this morning by the Social Justice Commissioner, Mr Mick Gooda, which offer government a roadmap to working more effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The Social Justice Commissioner’s reports highlight the vital principle of ensuring informed consent is provided by Indigenous people for proposed policies and programs which directly affect them,” said Ms Jacqueline Phillips, ANTaR National Director.