Indigenous

The decision of the Naracoorte-Lucindale Council to dump the prayer and “change” the acknowledgement from its council meeting procedures has been condemned and labelled as one that does not reflect the views of people in and outside the region. Reconciliation South Australia says the decision of the six elected councillors who voted for this change reflects their “poor judgement” and a “lack of understanding”.

The Federal and NT Governments have announced a landmark joint $4 billion dollar investment for housing in remote communities across the NT to help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians ... The 10-year commitment to improve remote housing will see up to 270 homes built each year ... Labor Government is investing a further $120 million over three years to match the NT Government’s yearly investment ... in addition to the NT Government’s existing $40 million per annum investment in homelands housing and essential infrastructure upgrades.

Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) are significantly delaying building projects while charging higher prices for their Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), a compulsory requirement for land development under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur, called on the Minister for Treaty and First Peoples in Parliament to immediately and comprehensively review the legislation. “The Cultural Heritage Management Plan sees cash end up in bank vaults and indigenous artefacts in storerooms."

Two Native Title Claims covering the entire South East region by various people of Aboriginal heritage, have so far cost the Naracoorte Lucindale Council $18,838.65. If successful, it is unknown what impact the claims will have on Crown land, be it privately or publicly owned ... The matter was raised in a series of "questions on notice" by Cr Cameron Grundy at Naracoorte Lucindale’s November, 2023 meeting.

The Cook Government has approved a 420-hectare land transfer to support a proposed pivot irrigation development delivering benefits for the Yawuru people. The land will be transferred to NBY in conditional freehold. The pivot irrigation development will create local jobs and supply fodder to support the Kimberley pastoral industry.