Native Title plan criticised

A South West Aboriginal leader has described the State Government’s draft Noongar Recognition Bill as “hollow words”.

Wardan Aboriginal Centre chairwoman Mitchella Hutchinson said the Bill, which seeks to recognise Noongar as traditional landowners in the South West as part of the Native Title settlement, lacked meaning without action.

“The Bill looks okay, but unfortunately that’s all that it is. It’s a symbolic gesture, but with hollow words, ” she said.

“Unless there is real action, it’s just lip synching.”

The draft Bill was announced on Wednesday by Premier Colin Barnett, who said it acknowledged Noongars’ unique contribution to the heritage, cultural identity and economy of the State.

“While the Bill might be seen as symbolic — and that symbolism is important in terms of respect, self-determination and pride — it is part of a comprehensive package of tangible benefits for the Noongar people, ” Mr Barnett said.

Under the package, $600 million would be paid into the Noongar Boodja Trust in instalments over 12 years, $120 million would go towards Noongar administration and programs over 12 years and up to 320,000ha from the Crown estate would be transferred to the trust in multiple parcels. This is in addition to programs to assist housing, community development, a joint management partnership with the Department of Parks and Wildlife and economic development.

If approved, the Bill will go to Cabinet and then be taken to Parliament.

Ms Hutchinson said the Bill was “more than overdue” but it had no legal impact on other legislation.

She said the term Noongar did not recognise individual groups and therefore its significance was “watered down”.

South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council chief executive Glen Kelly said the Bill carried a much deeper meaning than just symbolism.

Mr Kelly said there had never been such a large Native Title settlement in Australia and there never would be again.

He said if the Noongar rejected the Government’s offer, they risked a lesser outcome by going to court.

Ms Hutchinson said she felt there was too much focus on the money aspect instead of the preservation of culture.

She said she expected a good turnout to a community meeting with representatives of the Department of Premier and Cabinet at Busselton Community Resource Centre on Wednesday.