Indigenous property rights boost economic growth

THE second Indigenous Property Rights Roundtable in Broome in early 2016 sounded loud-and-clear on the future economic value that will come out of property rights for Indigenous communities.

Participants in the Broome meeting overwhelmingly agreed that while there had been an expansion of the Indigenous Estate since the commencement of the Native Title Act, it had not delivered development opportunities or sustainable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Native title is only the starting point for our people in reclaiming land,” Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda said. “The next step is being able to freely exercise our rights to promote economic development, maintain land for cultural purposes and achieve the social outcomes like proper housing for our communities.” 

The Australian Human Rights Commission has welcomed the announcement by Attorney-General George Brandis to commit funding towards the work of the Indigenous Property Rights Network which follows up on work commenced at the Indigenous Property Rights Roundtable in Broome. 

Human Rights Commissioner at the time of the announcement Tim Wilson – who has since resigned to contest the Federal seat of Goldstein – said the Federal Government had listened to the views of Roundtable participants and recognised the importance of property rights in achieving economic development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“The Federal Government’s financial support is a welcome commitment to this process, designed to increase the opportunities for Indigenous Australians to use their land for economic development,” Mr Wilson said.

“Improving the freedom for Indigenous Australians to exercise their property rights is essential to improving economic development opportunities and achieving a better future for Indigenous Australians.”

Mr Gooda said positive engagement with government was crucial to the reform process.

“The Broome Roundtable provided an opportunity for us to talk though the challenges to economic development after native title has been determined, and begin to identify real solutions,” Mr Gooda said.

“We are seeking constructive reform that is respectful of native title and protects the inherent rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We require ongoing dialogue with government, and respectful engagement, in order to deliver meaningful outcomes for our people.”

The first Indigenous Property Rights Network meeting was held on Yawuru country in Broome in May 2015.

www.humanrights.gov.au

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