Friday, 18 December 2009
Commissioner welcomes Native Title negotiations for the Noongar people
The West Australian Government’s decision to begin negotiations to resolve native title over Perth and the south west of the state was long-awaited good news for the Noongar peoples, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma said today.
Commissioner Calma said the Heads of Agreement (HOA) signed yesterday between the WA Government and the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) was a concrete and significant step forward.
“I congratulate the WA Government for its commitment to cooperation with the SWALSC and its constructive moves towards resolving this long-running native title negotiation,” Commissioner Calma said.
“The Heads of Agreement will provide the broad parameters for the negotiations and ensure the spirit of cooperation between the WA Government and the SWALSC stays on track.
“I am particularly pleased that the HOA provides for full settlement of the Noongar people’s native title claims. I am also pleased the HOA has the flexibility to allow for additional matters to be included in negotiations as they develop.”
Commissioner Calma said discussions had been continuing since April last year when the full Federal Court had set aside Justice Murray Wilcox’s 2006 decision that the Noongar People held native title over land in and around the Perth Metropolitan area.
“This commitment by the government to partner with the SWALSC to resolve native title for the Noongar people shows us yet again how crucial partnership, engagement and participation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is in achieving native title for Australia’s First Peoples.”
Media contact: Louise McDermott 0419 258 597
