The McGowan Government has welcomed a Senate report which recommends the Federal Parliament pass the Native Title Amendment Bill.
The Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Legislation Committee yesterday released a report on the Native Title Legislation Amendment Bill 2019, recommending the Bill be passed by the Federal Parliament.
The McGowan Government welcomes the recommendation and urges the Morrison Government to ensure the Bill is dealt with expeditiously to give effect to much needed amendments to the Native Title Act.
The Bill, which has been subject to extensive consultation, has broad support across the native title sector.
Introduced prior to the Federal election, the amendment Bill contains a number of reforms to the Native Title Act which will create greater efficiency in the operation of the legislation.
The long-awaited validation of section 31 agreements is critical to providing certainty to agreements entered into between mining companies and native title parties.
Similarly, the provision for a section 47C whereby extinguishment of native title over parks can be disregarded, but only where there is an agreement reached, is welcomed and supports the McGowan Government’s commitment to agreement making with native title parties.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt:
“I am pleased that after nearly a year the Senate Committee has recommended the Morrison Government proceed with proposed amendments to the Native Title Act.
“These amendments are long overdue and will facilitate parties to reach negotiated outcomes.
“There is, however, further work to do in the future as noted by Labor Senators, and I urge the Morrison Government to engage with native title holders, States and Territories and industry to develop a comprehensive legislative package for much needed reforms to the Native Title Act.”
