Inquiry commences: Engagement of traditional owners in the economic development of Northern Australia

THE Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia has commenced an Inquiry into the Opportunities and Challenges of the Engagement of Traditional Owners in the Economic Development of Northern Australia.

A significant proportion of Northern Australia is subject to native title claim or determination. The Committee’s 2014 report Pivot North: Inquiry into the Development of Northern Australia identified current land tenure arrangements and native title processes as a barrier to the economic and social development of Northern Australia.

The Committee Chair, Warren Entsch MP, stated that "enabling Traditional Owners to pursue economic development opportunities on their land will support sustainable economic growth in Northern Australia, and create much needed employment opportunities in remote areas".

Submissions from interested individuals and organisations are invited by Thursday, February 28, 2019. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account.

Further information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on how to lodge a submission are available on the Committee’s website.

ends