Northern Land Council

Land Rights News March 2026

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:10:39 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

APO NT calls for urgent cost of living relief for remote Territorians

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:31:08 GMT

As a member of the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory, the Northern Land Council supports calls for an urgent increase in the Remote Area Allowance to deliver cost of living relief to the country's poorest households.

Remote Territorians left behind in natural disaster response

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 03:08:28 GMT

In the wake of historic flooding across the Top End, the NortheRn Land Council is calling on all levels of Government to listen to Aboriginal voices in the development and roll-out of disaster management in the Northern Territory.

Over the last few months, residents from remote Aboriginal communities across the Big Rivers region have been impacted by severe weather and unprecedented flooding.

Residents have in some cases faced multiple evacuations, inconsistent levels of care across evacuationcentres, and serious concerns around food security.

Emergency management plans must take into consideration the cultural and remote needs of communitymembers so that relief is delivered in an effective and safe way.

The only way this can happen is by listening to people who have first-hand experience of these naturaldisasters and disaster relief efforts. This should be followed by support for these solutions.

The Northern Land Council has written to Territory and Federal Government Ministers, calling for them to meet with community leaders from across the impacted communities to hear concerns about conditions at evacuation centres and the emergency response.

These requests are not new. For years, Traditional Owners and the Northern Land Council have advocated strongly for Aboriginal leaders to have a seat at the decision-making table before, during and after anatural disaster occurs.

The NLC has consistently advocated for the following measures:

Evacuation centres to be located within close proximity to remote communities across the NLC region.
Emergency shelters and evacuation centresthat are culturally safe and support cultural and kinshippractices.
Agreed level of support within emergency shelters and evacuation centres, including food, sanitary andbedding supplies to be established.
Open and consistent communication with Traditional Owners, community leaders and Aboriginal peoplebefore, during and following an emergency incident.
Early communication and notification of upcoming/ potential emergency incidents to support TraditionalOwners and community members in order to make informed decisions around evacuation and otherpreventive measures.

This work must begin now. The NLC looks forward to working with all levels of government to develop aneffective disaster management approach.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair, Matthew Ryan:

“Natural disasters are not new in the Territory. The scale of this flooding however has shown whathappens when you don’t have good systems in place to support vulnerable community members."

“We want to see better coordination of the emergency response and more shelters built."

“In 2025, we met with the relevant Territory and national agencies about this issue. It’s clear we weren't heard."

“This work can’t wait another wet season. Both levels of Government need to start talking to Aboriginal people and figure out a better way forward."

Decades of fierce advocacy results in compensation decision

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 06:13:29 GMT

Following more than a decade of advocacy and court action by Gudanji, Yanyuwa and Yanyuwa-Marra peoples, today’s Federal Court decision on compensation is an important milestone for Native Title Holders.

The McArthur River Mine compensation claim was first filed by the Northern Land Council on behalf of Gudanji, Yanyuwa and Yanyuwa-Marra Native Title Holders in December 2020.

The case sought compensation from the Northern Territory Government, arguing the establishment of the McArthur River Mine in 1992 and the subsequent open-cut mining at the site caused significant cultural, spiritual, economic and environmental damage to Country, damage that persists today.

The decision is the largest compensation award for impacts to culture and Country in Australia.

In 2023, the case went to trial in an on-country hearing and in the Darwin Federal Court, where a number of Traditional Owner witnesses gave evidence of the damage to their native title rights caused by the McArthur River Project.

Almost six years on, this long-awaited decision is a result of hard-fought advocacy by the Gudanji, Yanyuwa and Yanyuwa-Marra peoples.

It sets an important precedent for Native Title holders who are owed compensations from Government or third-party organisations right across the country.

Attributable quotes:

Northern Land Council Chair, Matthew Ryan:

“Today’s decision is a testament to the hard-fought advocacy of the Gudanji, Yanyuwau and Yanyuwa-Marra peoples, who for years have stood up and spoken strong for their country.

“Now, they will receive some of what is owed to them by the Northern Territory Government.”

“This decision is long-awaited and I hope that Native Title holders across Australia see what is possible.”

Gudanji Traditional Owner Chris Pluto:

“This is my Father’s country that I am fighting for. He fought before me and I fight not for myself, but for all Gudanji people.”

“It made me feel good that the Judge recognised the damage that’s happened to our country because of this mine, but we’ve still gotta keep fighting.

“At the end of the day, we want our Country back. The damage will keep happening if we don’t get it back.”

Gudanji Traditional Owner, Josie Davey:

“For years we have been repeating ourselves and fighting. Our country is just getting damaged and will continue to be damaged.

“It makes me feel proud that this outcome might help other mob across the Country with their fight. It’s important to keep fighting.”

Senate Order Reporting Contracts Jan25/Dec25

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:29:36 GMT

Senate Order for Entity Contracts listing related to the period 1 January 2025 - 31 december 2025

Native Title Holders Challenge Tourism on Lorella Springs Station

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 01:03:45 GMT

The Northern Land Council (NLC), on behalf of the Burdal Riley, Murrungun Wunubari and Mambali Walangara Native Title Holders, has been in the Federal Court this week to challenge a non-pastoral use permit and water licence granted to Lorella Springs Station by the NT Government.

The Northern Land Council (NLC), on behalf of the Burdal Riley, Murrungun Wunubari and Mambali Walangara Native Title Holders, has been in the Federal Court this week to challenge a non-pastoral use permit and water licence granted to Lorella Springs Station by the NT Government, citing serious risks to sacred sites and long-standing failures to respect Native Title Rights.

For decades, Lorella Springs Station has operated a tourism business, known as Lorella Springs Wilderness Park, without the permission of Traditional Owners. On 31 March 2025, the NT Pastoral Land Board granted the station-owner a non-pastoral use permit to continue tourism activities, despite multiple submissions by the Native Title Holders who were concerned that the tourism activities involved the observation of Aboriginal cultural works and activities, and had interfered with sacred sites in the past.

The NLC have argued that the non-pastoral use permit cannot be granted unless there is an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA), because tourism activities occur in areas containing rock art, burial grounds, ceremonial sites and other protected places.

The NLC have also claimed that Native Title Holders were denied adequate notice and a fair opportunity to respond. A permit was granted by the Pastoral Land Board at a scale 17 times greater than what was applied for by the station owner.

Speaking in Darwin this week NLC Chair Matthew Ryan said the permits place culturally significant areas at serious risk.

“There is a real and immediate risk of damage to sacred sites if permits are granted without an agreement in place with the native title holders.

“The NT Government has gone too far.”

Native Title Holders travelled from Borroloola, Numbulwar and Ngukurr to attend the hearing, calling for respect, justice and genuine consultation.

Traditional Owner Rex Isaac said meaningful engagement with Traditional Owners by the station owner is essential. “What’s important is to get justice for our sites, for our land,” Mr Isaac said.

“If he wants to build a relationship with the Traditional Owners, he needs to come down and talk to us about the area he wants tourists to go on.”

The NLC is also challenging a water extraction licence allowing large volumes of water to be taken from Rosie Creek, a waterway connected to multiple sacred sites, arguing the approval process failed to properly notify and consult Native Title Holders.

The NLC says the case underscores the need for governments and tourism operators to comply with the law, protect sacred sites and place Native Title Holders at the centre of decisions affecting their Country.

A decision by the Federal Court is expected in 2026.

Land Rights News December 2025

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 02:03:17 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Northern Land Council re- elects matthew Ryan as NLC chair

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 00:34:20 GMT

Council members from the Northern Land Council’s seven regions came together in Jabiru this week to decide on the leadership of the NLC for the next three years.

Council members from the Northern Land Council’s seven regions came together in Jabiru this week to decide on the leadership of the NLC for the next three years.

Mr Matthew Ryan was re-elected as Chair of the Northern Land Council for the 2025-28 term. Mr Ryan was first elected as Chair in March 2023. He is of Barabarra, Wurrpann and Gurindiji descent and resides in Maningrida.

Ms Lorraine Jones was elected Deputy Chair and is the second women to hold this position in the history of the NLC. Ms Jones has Ngaliwurru/Nungali heritage and lives in Timber Creek. She was elected to the Full Council in 2019 and then to the Executive Council in 2022.

Speaking from Jabiru yesterday, Mr Ryan thanked his fellow Council Members: “I'm grateful to have been re-elected as the Chair, it’s a great vote of confidence from the Council members and I look forward to working with all NLC constituents over the next three years.”

Mr Ryan spoke about his vision for a greater NLC presence across all seven regions and the importance of the advocacy work the NLC does.

“We want to see all our offices across the region well-resourced so we can have a greater presence across the seven regions.

“We want to achieve more for our traditional owners and our constituents and we want to work more closely with stakeholders.

“'We have to be very strong in our stance on advocacy and supporting our traditional owners across all regions. We need to work with both the Northern Territory and the Commonwealth governments, although the changes to the NT Sacred Sites Act earlier this year concern us greatly in terms of working with the NT Government.

“As we get ready to celebrate fifty years of the Land Rights Act, I am reminded of how much we have achieved, and how much work there is still to do in fighting for the rights of Aboriginal people in our region.”

Larrakia Elders call on Federal Government to Protect Stokes Hill Sacred Site

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:23:42 GMT

Larrakia Elders Bill Risk and Helen Secretary are appealing to the federal Minister of the Environment and Water to safeguard the Stokes Hill sacred site against damage and desecration.

The Larrakia elders, represented by the Northern Land Council, have made an application on behalf of all Larrakia people under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (ATSIHP Act).

According to Larrakia Dreaming, the tawny frogmouth is a sentinel that guards the entrance to Stokes Hill Wharf – surveying the land and sea, keeping country and people safe.

The application follows on from the Northern Territory’s decision in September this year to add developers to an existing 20-year-old Waterfront authority sacred sites certificate.

The changes to the NT Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act made earlier this year meant that new parties could be added to the certificate, despite there being no consultation and regard for concerns from Larrakia Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) board members over the Stokes Hill sacred site.

Two businesses with interests in high-rise development, CEL Australia, previously SH Darwin, and Darwin Waterfront Corporation, are now named in the certificate.

The two Larrakia Elders are calling on the federal government to protect the sacred site under section 10 of the ATSIHP Act.

The proposed development blocks the line-of-site from Stokes Hill out to the harbour, and this obstruction puts Larrakia culture and tradition at risk.

The addition of new parties to the waterfront sacred sites certificate marks the first use of the NT Government’s new powers after it amended the Sacred Sites Act earlier this year.

The use of these powers circumvents consultation and engagement with Traditional Owners or AAPA, posing a major risk to sacred sites across the entire Northern Territory.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council Chair Matthew Ryan:

“The NLC fully supports the Larrakia people in their bid to stop the desecration of their sacred sites at Stokes Hill Wharf.

“This sets a dangerous precedent that puts all sacred sites in the NT at risk.”

Quotes attributable to Larrakia Elder Helen Secretary

“The change to the Act is affecting our sites. We no longer have the protection we had.

“The Act has been protecting all our significant sacred sites, burial grounds and traditional areas for over 50 years – this is going to affect all Indigenous mob in the NT and their sacred sites.

“The NT government has shown disrespect to Traditional Owners, custodians and other Indigenous people."

Quotes attributable to Larrakia Elder and NLC Council Member, Bill Risk OAM

“Our sacred site at Stokes Hill Wharf has particular responsibility in looking out for Larrakia people. A part of the responsibility is to watch and look out for approaching strangers, to look out for any danger, or any disturbance that is unnatural coming across the waters. And the lookout on the Sacred Site is very important because the site must maintain visual line-of-sight over all the harbor. The site has to care for our people.

“I am very upset. I worry about all our sites in the Darwin vicinity, in the harbor, in the rivers, Elizabeth River and across our country, which is the story of who we are and where we come from.

“I am asking the minister directly, to please step in and use his authority to help protect Stokes Hill Wharf and our connection to country.”

Joint Submission on the Environmental Protection Reform Bill 2025

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 23:39:28 GMT

NLC, CLC and Anindilyakwa Land councils joint submission into the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025

This submission is made by the Central Land Council (CLC), Northern Land Council (NLC), Tiwi Land Council (TLC) and Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) (together the land councils) in relation to the proposed statutory reforms of federal environmental laws.

Traditional Owners and SunCable sign landmark 70-year agreement to build Australia’s largest solar farm

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:39:47 GMT

Traditional owners, SunCable and the Northern Land Council reached a historic multi-generational 70-year agreement to build a 12,000-hectare solar farm on Powell Creek Station.

In a multi-million-dollar agreement to build the biggest solar farm in Australia, multi-generational wealth will be brought to Traditional Owners who hold native title over the earmarked land area of Powell Creek Station.

The agreement will deliver major economic benefits through jobs, training pathways and local business opportunities in a very remote part of the Northern Territory.

Stringent environmental protection and cultural heritage preservation are also included, so cultural knowledge and connections to land will be protected and will continued to be passed down through generations.

SunCable first approached the Northern Land Council in 2019, and soon after engaged with Traditional Owners about its interests in parts of Powell Creek Station.

In 2022 SunCable identified the land area it wanted to use, and negotiations began with Traditional Owners about options for a land use agreement.

It has been a lengthy process of negotiations between SunCable and more than 200 Traditional Owners, over the last three years.

The agreement has also been a massive logistical effort from NLC, undertaking over 70 consultations to meet and bring together many families across Darwin, Katherine, Elliott, Tennant Creek and other remote locations where people live.

This is a significant deal that NLC, Traditional Owners and SunCable were able to negotiate, and an example of how large-scale energy projects can be developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities who want to shape their economic future while continuing to live and work on country.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council Chairman Matthew Ryan:

“The Northern Land Council is proud to have negotiated this deal with Suncable on behalf of the Traditional Owners of Janigirulu, Bamayu and Walanypirri.

“It sends a clear message that the Northern Territory is open for business. This demonstrates that Aboriginal Territorians are leading the way by participating in genuine engagement with big business.

“This is about strengthening self-determination, building sustainable communities, and contributing to the long-term economic viability of the Northern Territory.

“Over the years the NLC has facilitated a number of successful business ventures with Traditional Owners in the Barkly and we look forward to promoting more opportunities towards creating a prosperous future for everyone in the Northern Territory.”

Quotes attributable to SunCable Chief Executive Officer Ryan Willemsen-Bell:

“Today’s signing of the Indigenous Land Use Agreement marks the beginning of an enduring partnership between SunCable, the Northern Land Council and the Powell Creek Native Title Holders to develop this transformative renewable energy project in the Northern Territory.”

“This agreement is a symbol of partnership, of shared vision, and of mutual respect.”

“SunCable is developing one of the largest renewable energy projects in the region, designed to harness the Northern Territory’s world-class solar resource to deliver reliable, cost-effective renewable electricity to industrial customers in the Northern Territory and South-East Asia.

“The ILUA is the result of years of dialogue, negotiation and trust-building. It ensures that the voices of Native Title Holders are not only heard but are central to the development of this project. Throughout the years, SunCable has listened carefully to shape a comprehensive agreement that recognises the importance of Native Title rights and interest that will deliver long term benefits.”

ADDITIONAL QUOTES:

Quotes attributable to Walanypirri Traditional Owner Peter Henderson

“Culture and country is really important to us. This deal shows how strong our Native Title is.

“We hope other TOs can also stand together and negotiate agreements to bring business on their country, just like us.”

Quotes attributable to Bamayu Traditional Owner Linda Benson

“We hope this deal can help to improve Elliott, so our families can live and work on country."

NLC Annual Report 2024-25

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 06:36:10 GMT

The NLC's Annual Report 2024-25 provides a comprehensive account of its performance from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025 in accordance with its obligations under the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976 (Cth), the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), the Aboriginal Land Act 1978 (NT) and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth)

The Annual Report 2024-25 is divided into five parts:

• About Us: Our Land, Our Sea, Our Life.

• Project Highlights and Achievements.

• Corporate Management and Reporting.

• Financial Statements.

• Appendices.

The NLC submits this report to the Minister for Indigenous Australians for tabling in the Australian Parliament.

Environment law reform must safeguard future of remote communities

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 07:27:19 GMT

The Northern Territory’s land councils have told the federal government the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act must ensure big projects are subjected to the most stringent water and climate impact tests.

The land councils demand rigorous assessments be applied to big projects impacting on ground and surface water, not just to fracking and coal mining projects.

They are dismayed that they have not been consulted about the reform of federal environment laws.

“The very survival of our people on country is at stake. We are living the impacts of climate change and water insecurity now, and the forecasts for the North are devastating,” the acting chief executive of the Central Land Council, Dr Josie Douglas, said.

“Our communities are becoming uninhabitable, and the NT’s environment is also under pressure from thirsty development projects.”

“If now is not the time to heed our voices, when the federal government has unprecedented power and political capital, then when?”

“The voice referendum may have been lost but there is no excuse for failing to listen to us on laws that are existential for our survival as Aboriginal peoples.”

“So far, the debate on federal environment laws has been run as a closed shop between the large environment groups and industry. This has to stop. Our representative bodies must be heard now and engaged directly in the design of critical national environmental standards.”

“The Central Land Council called for this in its submissions to the federal environment department under former Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and in recent correspondence from the Central Land Council and Northern Land Council to Minister Murray Watt,” she said.

Tiwi Land Council chair Leslie Tungatalum said strong national environmental protections are vital to protect environmental and cultural values on the Tiwi Islands – not just for Tiwi people, but for Australia as a whole.

“Our islands are rich and unique in biodiversity. With fewer impacts from legacy land uses compared to the mainland, the islands and surrounding waters are havens for many species and ecological communities that need protection.

“Strong national environmental standards are vital for the resilience of ecological systems across the islands to protect them.”

Northern Land Council chair Matthew Ryan said: "Aboriginal people have legal rights and interest in 98 per cent of the land in the NT. We must be part of the conversation."

"Our voices need to be heard for the future of country."

"Our role is to consult with Aboriginal people across the NT on projects that are going to impact people’s lives and country, yet we have been ignored."

"We represent the people who live on country. Our people need to prosper on our lands and our seas. We are the people who will be impacted directly by the proposed reforms to the EPBC Act."

"We call upon Minister Watt to ensure that land councils are part of the conversation going forward, and we welcome his indication that he is willing to consider amendments.”

The land councils ask the minister to:

expand the water trigger to all projects that have a significant impact on ground and surface water.

ensure projects with major impacts on climate are subject to stringent climate risk assessments and decisions.

retain decision-making powers over federal environmental laws

consult with NT land councils on the development of the national environmental standards.

extend the consultation period for establishing ‘development regions’ from the proposed 30 to 90 days to ensure land councils can facilitate free, prior and informed from traditional owners.

ensure that Aboriginal cultural values are part of regional development planning and project assessment. This requires land councils to consult with the relevant traditional owners at all stages.

NLC acknowledges appointment of new NT Police Commissioner

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 04:15:25 GMT

The appointment of Martin Dole as the Northern Territory’s new Police Commissioner has been welcomed by NLC Chair Matthew Ryan.

Speaking from Katherine yesterday, Mr Ryan acknowledged Commissioner Dole’s long history working in remote policing.

“He understands the needs of our communities and has shown a willingness to address law and order. He’s a community-minded person.”

Earlier this year Mr Ryan met with the then acting commissioner to discuss policing in remote communities, and the return of youth activities such as blue-light discos.

Mr Ryan said the NLC welcomes the opportunity to work with Commissioner Dole to address policing issues and law and order in remote communities.

"We call on Commissioner Dole to commit to having a greater police presence throughout remote communities across the NT."

Mr Ryan stressed that rebuilding trust and confidence among Aboriginal communities must be a priority for the new Commissioner.

"Constructive dialogue with senior community members across the region around law and order, and working with Aboriginal justice agencies in the NT is crucial.

There are well known issues with the police force and we look forward to being part of the solution for improved policing across our seven regions.”

With the new commissioner based in Alice Springs, Mr Ryan awaits further discussions with Commissioner Dole when he is in Darwin.

Land Rights News: September 2025

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 01:31:30 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

NLC and Sea Shepherd collaboration cleans up remote beaches

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 01:03:58 GMT

A collaboration between the Northern Land Council and Sea Shepherd Australia has seen over 10 tonnes of rubbish cleared from South East Arnhem coastlines in a bid to protect and preserve Country.

Members of the NLC’s Yugul Mangi and Numbulwar Numburindi Rangers teamed up with eight Sea Shepherd volunteers to clear rubbish from remote beaches in the South East Arnhem Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) over a two-week period.

With more marine debris washing up on remote NT coastlines than ever before, Traditional Owners and ranger groups are struggling to get on top of the tonnes of waste littering their country.

The debris, which ranges from single use plastic bottles, to shoes, fuel tanks, wooden planks, fishing wire and nets, causes immense damage to sea country and marine wildlife.

Of particular concern are ghost nets, which are not only difficult and time consuming to remove from the beach, but do incredible damage to coastal environments and the wildlife that inhabit the area.

To help tackle this problem, Sea Shepherd Australia is collaborating with Aboriginal ranger groups in remote areas of the Northern Territory and Queensland, providing volunteers from across the country to carry out marine clean ups.

The Numbulwar Numburindi would normally have just six rangers patrolling and caring for 300kms of coastline. The impact of the volunteers helping clear the beach has been invaluable.

Despite the urgency to tackle this worsening problem, Indigenous ranger groups such as the Yugul Mangi and Numbulwar Numburindi Rangers receive minimal funding to carry out these time-consuming and laborious works.

For the past four years, the federally funded $15 million Ghost Net Initiative has assisted 22 Indigenous ranger groups with clean-up efforts.

This critical funding is set to end, with no certainty it will continue.

Additionally, it was revealed earlier in the year that the Northern Territory Government had cut the $12 million Aboriginal Ranger Grant program from its budget.

This program provides much needed funds for equipment and infrastructure that ranger groups need to carry out work that protects country and culture.

The NLC hopes to come to an agreement with the NT and Federal Governments around re-establishing this important funding.

QUOTES:

NLC Chair, Matthew Ryan:

“Day in, day out our coastal ranger groups are doing really important work – especially when it comes to ghost net retrieval.

“They are working incredibly hard to keep Country clean and protect song-lines and culture for generations to come.

“They can’t do this work alone, and they have to be funded properly to do it. Everyone loses out if they aren’t.”

Joanne Pomery, Senior Numbulwar Numburindi ranger:

“Seeing this plastic rubbish and nets wash up on my Mothers country hurts my spirit. It doesn’t belong here.

“This sea country and the animals that live in it tells important stories about our culture. But our song lines don’t talk about rubbish. This is not something we want to pass down to our kids and grand-kids.

It has been fantastic to work with the Sea Shepherd crew, to show people from all over Australia what we are trying to protect.

“What I really want to see is no more plastic. We can keep cleaning but it’s only going to come back. We need to fix this problem at the source."

Grahame Lloyd, Sea Shepherd Marine Debris Coordinator:

“Because of the way the tides move, the tonnes of plastic and discarded fishing nets that gathers in the Gulf of Carpenteria ends up on these really remote coastlines.

“Unfortunately, many Australians don’t understand the extent of the problem or the terrible impact it has on our precious coastal environments and the animals that live in them.

“These clean-ups are about getting as much plastic off the beach as we can but also about our volunteers, who are coming from right across the country, to learn from Aboriginal rangers and really understand the issue they are dealing with every day.”

Traditional Owners must be consulted: NLC condemns Waterfront sacred sites declaration

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:09:57 GMT

Traditional Owners must be consulted: NLC condemns Waterfront sacred sites declaration

The Northern Land Council condemns the decision to add parties to an existing Waterfront sacred site certificate without the proper consultation of Larrakia Traditional Owners.

The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) yesterday announced that SHDarwin Hotel and the Darwin Waterfront Corporation have been added as recorded parties to the existing Authority Certificate issued to the Northern Territory Government for the Darwin Waterfront re-development in 2004.

Recent changes to the NT Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act mean these additional parties can be added to a 20-year-old certificate without proper consultation with Traditional Owners – in this case, Larrakia.

The Waterfront application marks the first use of the NT Government’s amendment to the Sacred Sites Act.

The NLC and other Territory land councils have fought hard against these changes, highlighting the risk it poses to the protection and preservation of sacred sites right across the NT.

Larrakia Traditional Owners have expressed their concern time and time again around the SHDarwin design impacting a nearby sacred site.

Plans to build a 47-metre tall hotel at Stokes Hill were not included in the original Authority certificate. Larrakia were not consulted and do not agree with the plans in their current form.

The NLC urgently calls on the Federal Government and the Minister for Indigenous Australians to listen to the Larrakia, condemn the Northern Territory Government and protect this sacred site.

Quotes from NLC Chair, Matthew Ryan:

“The decision to add parties to a 20-year-old certificate, without proper consultation of Traditional Owners is exactly what we feared when changes to the Sacred Sites Act were passed through earlier in the year.”

“This lack of respect for the wishes of Larrakia Traditional Owners, who have said over and over again they do not support the design plans for this high-rise hotel, is appalling.

This Territory Government is not listening to us. This is our culture and heritage that they are bulldozing right through. Culture that has been here far longer than they have.

“The Federal Government must intervene in this decision before more sacred sites are put at risk.”

National Learning on Country Summit Strengthens Partnerships and Sets a Shared Vision for the Future

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:16:05 GMT

The inaugural Learning on Country Northern Australia Summit brought together more than 100 delegates from across Northern Australia, including Elders, rangers, educators, government representatives, researchers, and community leaders.

Hosted over two days, the Summit highlighted the strength and impact of the Learning on Country (LoC) program, which connects culture and curriculum, creating meaningful pathways for young people from school to employment while maintaining strong ties to Country.

Day one opened with a Larrakia Smoking Ceremony and Welcome to Country, followed by keynote contributions from Co-Chairs Cindy and Danny, Program Manager Shane Bailey, and Associate Professor Bill Fogarty. Delegates participated in workshops and panels exploring Indigenous governance, cultural learning, policy, and partnerships each site sharing how local decision-making reflects community aspirations.

NLC Chair Matthew Ryan said the Summit was a powerful way to share the knowledge and experience gained from the Learning on Country Program (LoCP).

“For 13 years, the Learning on Country Program has empowered young people to walk strong in two-worlds, in culture, education, experience and employment, drawing on traditional methods that have guided our people for generations. I thank the Steering Committee and the Program Team whose hard work has made this important gathering possible,” Mr Ryan said.

“By sharing our stories from the LoCP, we hope to inspire and empower others to build programs though local decision making, that strengthens their young people and their communities from grass roots up.”

“It has allowed us to show other communities what is possible through two-way learning, when it is community led from strong cultural leaders.”

The day closed with the inspiring story of Jonah Ryan from Maningrida, who has grown from a Junior Ranger to qualified Djelk Ranger and now LoC Ranger Coordinator, embodying the next generation of leaders.

Discussions focused on building strong governance and partnerships, creating clear pathways from Country to classroom and into employment, and embedding monitoring and evaluation systems grounded in Indigenous values. Delegates emphasised that success must be measured not only in numbers but also in outcomes that matter most to communities.

A key outcome of the Summit was the development of a Unity Statement—a shared commitment that captures the collective vision for the future of Learning on Country. This statement provides a strong foundation for the next phase of the program, ensuring young people gain the confidence, skills, and cultural strength to thrive in both worlds.

Over the two days, delegates celebrated 13 years of achievement, reflected on challenges, and looked to the future with renewed commitment.

The Summit highlighted that Learning on Country is about empowering young people giving them the confidence, skills, and cultural strength to succeed. With Elders, teachers, and communities walking alongside them, the program continues to build strong foundations for positive, lasting change.

NLC Corporate Plan 2025-26

Fri, 22 Aug 2025 03:09:57 GMT

The NLC Corporate Plan provides information about the significant activities which the NLC will undertake over the four years, 2025 - 26 to 2027/28.

Joint Release: Territory land councils will be respected

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 04:12:05 GMT

The four Northern Territory land councils have gathered for the first time since 2020 to warn against making decisions about their people – more than a third of the NT’s population - without them.

Meeting in Darwin, the executive committees of the Northern, Central, Tiwi and Anindilyakwa land councils have reminded decision makers that they are strong together and here to stay.

“Many people come and go. Our people are not going anywhere,” NLC Chair, Matthew Ryan said.

“Economic growth for all Territorians can only happen in genuine partnership with our people.

“Federal funding for our people props up the NT’s budget. The Australian government needs to hold the NT government accountable and make sure its laws and policies match the intent of that funding – to help our communities.”

“Between us we own more than half of the Territory’s land and 85 per cent of the coastline. Any government that ignores and harms our fast-growing population may win an election or two, but it has no future,” Tiwi Land Council (TLC) Chair Leslie Tungatalum added.

The 650 Aboriginal corporations in the NT benefit all Territorians by offering skilled jobs and economic development on country.

Aboriginal people manage vast areas for national security and biosecurity, creating industries such as tourism, fisheries and aquaculture.

In 1976 the federal government set up the NT land councils with statutory powers and functions to support Aboriginal decision-making about land and waters.

They have a strong record of facilitating consensus and informed consent across groups that creates the certainty needed for all Territorians to thrive.

Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) chair Cherelle Wurrawilya said the land councils will not be sidelined.

“Everyone will suffer if governments keep punishing and neglecting our people, but we will all gain when governments work with us. Just look at the big drop in crime we achieved on Groote Island since we took control of delivering justice,” Ms Wurrawilya said.

The NT’s justice and police racism crises were high on the agenda of the joint meeting.

The land councils called for an independent police misconduct body and for the publication of an implementation plan based on all the recommendations of the Kumanjayi Walker Coronial Inquest.

“The findings and recommendations of the inquest must inform the NT Police Anti-racism Strategy, even if this delays the release of the strategy,” Central Land Council Chair Warren Williams said.

“There must be full public consultation of the review of the Youth Justice Act.”

Mr Ryan said the land councils want to co-design the terms of reference of an independent inquiry into structural racism in the NT police force, alongside other representative Aboriginal organisations.

“We want a working group of relevant agencies to develop and implement better procedures to address complaints by Aboriginal people about police racism and use of force - a group that consults with the land councils and affected families and communities.”

The four executive committees also vowed to fight for Aboriginal water rights like their old people fought for land rights.

“We want the federal government to strengthen the National Water Agreement, extend the water trigger in federal environment laws to all thirsty industry proposals and keep funding remote community drinking water projects,” Mr Williams said.

Senate Order Reporting Contracts FY24/25

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 07:14:43 GMT

Senate Order for Entity Contracts listing related to the period 1 July 2024 - 30 June 2025

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Late Northern Land Council Chair recognised in King’s Birthday Honour

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 05:45:01 GMT

Former NLC Chair, the late Dr Bush Blanasi AM has been named as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) – General Division for his significant service to the Indigenous communities of the Northern Territory.

Dr Bush Blanasi AM was a powerful leader who spent his life fighting for land rights and Aboriginal communities in the Top End.

Representing the Katherine region, he served as Deputy Chair for three terms and led the NLC as Chair for four consecutive terms.

His leadership was bold and uncompromising. He always stood strong for his people, navigating between the two worlds of Western politics and the bush, maintaining influence in both.

He was a passionate advocate for Aboriginal women and their leadership, ensuring their voices and views were heard.

Nearly two years on from his passing, we thank the Order of Australia Council for this recognition and take the time to reflect on the great man that he was, and what he did for the region.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“Dr Bush Blanasi was an incredible leader, colleague, friend and brother to many. Right across the seven NLC regions, he fought for mob and our traditional lands.”

“This recognition only adds to his legacy, and I thank the Council for the Order of Australia for highlighting him and his work.”

The Northern Land Council stands with desert mob and backs calls for an independent inquiry into police misconduct

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 13:25:06 GMT

The NLC backs the growing calls for an independent body to investigate police misconduct, following the death of another young Aboriginal person in police custody.

The NLC stands with the Central Land Council and all Warlpiri families during this incredibly difficult time to have justice and truth-telling in the wake of this tragedy.

Unlike most jurisdictions, the Northern Territory does not have a body to investigate police misconduct. It is incredibly disappointing that the NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro this week ruled out an independent investigation into the death.

We are calling upon the Federal Government to step in and make the necessary moves to ensure an independent body investigates this entirely preventable death.

Despite apologies to the NLC Full Council in 2024 and acknowledgment of the “ police service’s historical and ongoing impacts on Aboriginal communities ”, by the former Police Commissioner, not enough has been done to address racism in the NT Police force.

For the NLC, systemic racism in the NT Police Force, both the Tactical Response Group (TRG) and more broadly, is not a relic of the past. Our communities continue to share their stories of discrimination and injustice at the hands of law enforcement.

In the wake of this tragedy during Reconciliation week, this most recent refusal to listen to the voices or wishes of Aboriginal Territorians is yet another example of the NT Government’s harsh approach towards Aboriginal affairs in the NT.

In just under a year of coming to office, The Country Liberal Party government has repeatedly let Aboriginal Territorians down.

From the rushed introduction and lack of consultation on the Territory Coordinator and Sacred Sites Amendment Bills, to the undermining of Aboriginal water rights, cutting funding to Aboriginal Ranger Grant Programs, and taking Territory Treaty off the table - the NLC will not stand for these continued attacks against Aboriginal people in the NT.

The NLC calls on all levels of Government to step up, listen and walk beside Aboriginal people.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“My deepest sorrows are with all Warlpiri families right now. From all of us mob in the Top End - we stand with you.”

“There must be an independent inquiry into the death of this young man in custody. It is unacceptable that in 2025 Aboriginal people fear police instead of trusting they will protect and serve their communities.”

“This CLP Government has continuously let down Aboriginal people since coming into Government. Now is the time to show leadership by listening to us and acknowledging that cultural reform within the NT Police is at the heart of these issues.”

“We must also see strength from the Federal Government. Pull the levers necessary to see this independent inquiry happen.”

CLP budget backflip on Aboriginal rangers

Fri, 16 May 2025 00:40:12 GMT

The Northern Land Council is deeply disappointed at the Northern Territory Government’s backflip on their election promise to continue supporting the Territory’s front line Aboriginal rangers.

After this week’s budget announcement, the CLP is leaving NT Aboriginal rangers high and dry by scrapping important funding that supported practical land and sea management outcomes in the Territory.

Despite making a bipartisan $12m election commitment to Aboriginal Ranger Grants during the election campaign, the CLP has betrayed the trust of all Territorians who want to see our land and sea country healthy and protected.

Treasurer Bill Yan, who was Shadow Minister for Parks and Rangers at the time said in August 2024, that “if elected [the CLP] will fully fund the program with $12 million over four years.”

Today in Question Time, Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne has evaded the question about this broken promise to say there is no money left.

Minister Burgoyne went on to say that that the CLP “will continue to work with Aboriginal ranger groups across the Territory to ensure we can support them in their important work moving forward.”

The NLC would like to discuss what support that is, since the $12m election promise has been scrapped by their government.

Since its launch in 2017, the NT Aboriginal Ranger Grants has contributed to the land and sea management across the Territory focused on practical outcomes through supporting rangers with their essential equipment, facilities, skills development to support important jobs on Country. Despite their extensive role, many Indigenous ranger groups are significantly under-resourced to manage their land and sea Country.

Indigenous ranger programs in the NT deliver long-term environmental, economic and social development outcomes, and continue to be internationally recognised as best-practice natural and cultural resource management models.

Aboriginal Rangers take on key functions such as border protection, biosecurity surveillance, weed and feral control and actively managing the threat of fire in remote areas.

The NTG Aboriginal Ranger Grants played a significant part in ensuring our land and sea remains healthy to be enjoyed by generations to come.

This budget silence on Aboriginal Rangers comes at a time when other states such as the 2025 re-elected WA government boosted Aboriginal Ranger grants to $20 million and QLD government increased Aboriginal ranger funding to $24 million in 2023.

The NLC calls on the NT Government to honour their promise.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“After eight years of a program that has contributed to successful land and sea management, this government has revealed it’s plans to leave Aboriginal rangers behind.

“Our Aboriginal rangers are outraged at this broken promise, that puts both jobs and our ability to manage country at risk. This puts at risk the work of all those who rely on our lands and seas, including Territorians and visitors who are here to enjoy the Territory lifestyle.

“I call on the Chief Minister, Minister Burgoyne and Minister Yan, to honour their election promise.”

The Northern Land Council congratulates Albanese Government on historic election victory

Tue, 06 May 2025 08:07:15 GMT

The NLC congratulates Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their return to Federal Government, and looks forward to working with the Albanese government on progressing the National Agreements on Closing the Gap and listening to First Nations voices.

The NLC congratulates Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their return to Federal Government, and looks forward to working with the Albanese government on progressing the National Agreements on Closing the Gap and listening to First Nations voices.

The NLC welcomes Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s pledge to creating a stronger nation in fairness, equality and respect, and bring a positive difference to the future of all Australians.

The NLC is committed to working with the Albanese government to building a future where Aboriginal people in our region have access to the same basic needs and opportunities no matter where they live.

The NLC acknowledges the efforts of the Albanese Labor Government over the last three years to support urgent remote housing needs, deliver jobs on country, and improve standards of living across the most remote areas of the Northern Territory. However the NLC calls on the returned Government to get to work.

More must be done to ensure Aboriginal Territorians have their housing, health and education needs met – making sure they can live and thrive on Country for generations to come.

The NLC also congratulates and looks forward to meeting with federal members of government Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, Marion Scrymgour and Luke Gosling to address critical issues facing Aboriginal people across the NLC region.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“We extend our congratulations to Mr Anthony Albanese and his team on their election result over the weekend, and thank the Albanese Government for the commitment and work they have put in to support the empowerment of Aboriginal people in NT in the last three years.”

“However, there are still too many areas that need attention and we must see immediate action during this new term. Now is the time to do better.”

“Aboriginal people have the solutions. We call on the Albanese Government to listen to the voices of Traditional Owners and start taking real action on the problems we face out bush every day.”

“That is the only way we can earn trust and build a future for Aboriginal Australians.”

Caring for Country Strategic Plan 2024 - 2029

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:46:22 GMT

Caring for Country Strategic plan for 2024 through to 2029.

Submission on the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 01:45:50 GMT

The Northern Land Council's Submission to the Northern Territory Government Minister For Lands, Planning and the Environment on the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.

Joint Media Release: Territory government strips water rights, puts conflict, corruption and chaos above certainty

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 05:38:27 GMT

Traditional owners are united in calling out the Territory government’s ill-conceived and rushed changes that move it ever closer to an anti-democratic regime pursuing development at any cost.

Giving away our precious water to foreign and interstate interests deprives our people of development opportunities today and robs all Territory children tomorrow.

This government cannot be trusted. Its latest attack on water rights is a bill designed to rip Aboriginal water reserves out of Aboriginal hands.

These reserves are small portions of water set aside in water allocation plans for Aboriginal people to use for trade or economic development.

Combined with the imposition of an all-powerful, unelected Territory co-ordinator, the assault on sacred sites protection and the removal of Territorians’ rights to seek merits review of government decisions, this proposal demolishes the integrity of the Territory government.

We had worked in good faith with the previous Labor government to make Aboriginal water reserves work for our people.

We had agreed a process with the NT Division of Water Resources for negotiating informed consent which was about to go to cabinet before last year’s election.

As with all land council processes, it would have given certainty to developers that the right people have been consulted and guaranteed that approved projects won’t land them in court.

Last week, and again without consultation with traditional owners, the Country Liberal Party government scrapped this in favour of another rushed bill that will create great uncertainty.

The bill removes traditional owners from decisions about the Aboriginal water reserves and hands that power to the Territory water controller.

This bureaucrat would decide who is an “eligible” Aboriginal person to apply for water in the reserve or whether “eligible” Aboriginal people have given consent.

It is completely unclear how he would do this.

What is clear is that the government aims to sideline the NT land councils that were set up with the sole mandate to support Aboriginal decision-making and which have a successful record of facilitating consensus and informed consent across groups that creates certainty.

Its proposed bill exposes developers to legal challenges and loss of their social license.

It undermines Aboriginal people’s hard-won collective rights and decision-making practices, threatens community harmony and removes guardrails against exploitation and corruption.

The scrapping of the standard democratic process of third-party merits reviews has removed the right of any Territorian to check that government decision-making is of an acceptable standard.

Third-party merits reviews hold governments accountable to all citizens, not just wealthy investors.

Coupled with a lack of solid evidence about Territory water resources the government’s latest bill ushers in chaos, conflict and increasing inequality.

Quotes from CLC and NLC chairs:

“Instead of giving industry the confidence to invest in the Territory, the proposed changes will see traditional owners challenge dodgy decisions in court, development proposals embroiled in community conflict and investors fighting accusations of corruption,” said CLC chair Warren Williams.

“By contrast, our council’s consultation processes have true integrity and deliver the certainty industry needs.”

“These changes are divisive. The NT Government is opening the floodgates for industry to exploit the Aboriginal Water Reserve for profits,” said NLC chair Matthew Ryan.

“The constant attacks on Aboriginal self-determination are exhausting and insulting. They need to stop.”

Media contacts:

CLC Tess O’Loughlin 0461 396 054 media@clc.org.au

NLC Jasmin Afianos 0437 485 995 media@nlc.org.a

Sacred Sites Bill: NT Government ignored Traditional Owners

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 05:28:55 GMT

Northern Land Council Chair Matthew Ryan has denounced the NT Government’s proposed amendments to the Northern Territory Sacred Sites Act 1989, saying the changes prioritise development over the protection of the Territory’s most important cultural heritage assets.

The NT Government has progressed this Bill without any consultation at all, proving it has no respect for our Traditional Owners and no understanding of the centrality of sacred sites to Aboriginal culture and lore.

The Act does need to be updated, and that’s why the NLC and other stakeholders last year contributed to a proposal that would have genuinely strengthened it for the benefit of all Territorians. However, these suggested amendments were largely ignored.

While the Bill has been referred to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee, in yet another show of brazen disregard for Territory transparency, submissions have to be in by next Friday.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council Chair Matthew Ryan:

“It is very clear this Bill is a rush job that undermines the integrity of the Sacred Sites Act in favour of proponents.

“The Sacred Sites Act isn’t about putting profits before our people; it is to protect our cultural heritage as we are obliged to do as custodians.

“Traditional Owners deserve the courtesy of being consulted about matters of critical importance and they are angry about being ignored.

“Securing rights to land and protecting sacred sites and cultural heritage have been hard-won rights and this dismissive behaviour from the NT Government is nothing short of an attack on our people.”

Land Rights News: March 2025

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 00:41:28 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Read the latest Land Rights News - Northern Edition

Proposed housing reforms target Aboriginal Territorians

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 02:11:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council has condemned the NT Government’s proposed public housing reforms that unfairly target Aboriginal Territorians

Plans, announced recently by Housing Minister Steve Edgington, include a range of actions to address tenancy issues, with booting people out of their homes at the top of the list.

The reforms were made without any stakeholder consultation and do not address the failures of successive governments to fix the public housing system across the Northern Territory.

The NT Government has failed to implement adequate tenancy management plans that would proactively assist public housing tenants to look after their homes, manage disruptive behaviours, and prevent tenants from falling into debt spirals.

Under the guise of debt recovery, public housing tenants are being made to take the fall for the fiasco that conflicts with its Closing the Gap commitments.

The Northern Territory already has the highest rate of homelessness in Australia. Turning hundreds of people out onto our streets will lead to an unmanageable surge that will entrench disadvantage while children, people with disability, and those suffering from chronic diseases will caught in the wake.

The reforms will serve only to weaponise homelessness and compound poverty. Introducing a cyclical repairs and preventative maintenance cycle, addressing unfair practices in the Remote Rent Framework, and supporting public housing tenants in adequate housing would achieve far better outcomes than the punitive approach adopted by the NT Government.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“Safe, secure, affordable housing is a fundamental human right and it is the responsibility of the NT Government to create an effective, efficient housing system.

“We know these heartless measures will not be effective, and will not help to build a Territory that is fair and inclusive. There will be more homelessness and more of our people locked up.

“We can’t sit back and watch this debacle unfold any longer because lives are at stake.

“Government after government has continued to fail Aboriginal people across all areas, and it has to stop right here.

“The current NT Government needs to pull up right now, go back to the drawing board and start working in genuine partnership with us, like they said they would.”

Win for Gumatj in landmark native title compensation claim

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 06:22:07 GMT

Today’s High Court decision in the landmark native title compensation claim over the Gove Peninsula strengthens and respects the rights of native title holders in the Northern Territory to seek amends for historic acts.

The Gumatj people of North East Arnhem Land first brought proceedings in the Federal Court, arguing they are owed compensation for losses which stemmed from the extinguishment of their native title rights between 1911 and 1978 when the Northern Territory was administered by the Commonwealth Government.

Those acts included grants of certain mining and pastoral leases on the Gove Peninsula.

In 2023, the Full Federal Court found in favour of the Gumatj people on a number of questions of law.

The High Court has upheld this decision and affirmed that native title rights and interests do constitute property under the Constitution; and that any extinguishment of native title does amount to an acquisition - which must be made on just terms.

The case will now go back to the Federal Court, where the Gumatj people’s claim for compensation will be considered.

Similarly, given there is no determined native title over the relevant area, the Federal Court will now need to assess who the native title holders for the relevant area are.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“Today’s decision is a significant achievement, and it is a worthy tribute to the memory of the late Dr Yunupingu* who initiated this case on behalf of the Gumatj people in 2019.

“This decision proves that Native Title is just like any other property acquired by the Government, and reaffirms that owners deserve to be compensated for any loss.

“The NLC is proud to have supported the Gumatj people throughout this case which was argued all the way to the High Court by the Commonwealth Government.

*Last name used with family permission.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: NT Land Councils call on NT Government to bin Territory Coordinator Bill

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 04:32:23 GMT

The Northern Territory’s four land councils have united in calling for the Territory Coordinator Bill to be dumped.

The Bill excludes Aboriginal people from involvement in development decisions on their traditional lands and prevents them from protecting their land and culture.

The NT Government plans to use its majority to steamroll the Bill through Parliament during sittings next week.

The Bill formally appoints the Territory Coordinator who will hold unchecked, expansive powers to circumvent regulations and bypass Territory laws and government processes.

This includes the authority to declare a Territory Development Area (TDA) or an Infrastructure Coordination Area (ICA) on Aboriginal land and Native Title areas without any prior consent or consultation with Traditional Owners.

The Territory Coordinator will be able to affect decisions and processes across 32 Scheduled Acts listed in the Bill, along with a host of regulations made under those Acts giving the coordinator unprecedented and sweeping powers.

The addition of the Heritage Act 2011 to the list of Scheduled Acts will make it subject to the powers of the unelected Coordinator, demonstrating that the NT Government is callously uninterested in the protection and preservation of our places of historical importance; and powers to enter private property including Aboriginal freehold land without a warrant are a breach of fundamental rights.

It is also concerning that the Bill’s Scheduled Acts can be updated at any stage by regulation. While the Northern Territory Sacred Sites Act 1989 is currently not listed, it can be added at the Territory Coordinator’s request – greatly increasing the vulnerability of thousands of critically important cultural and sacred sites.

While the Territory Coordinator cannot exercise powers over Federal laws such as the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth) and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), he can modify the 32 scheduled pieces of Northern Territory legislation, most of which contain protections for Aboriginal culture and land rights.

Consultation on the Bill has been tokenistic at best, with almost no recommendations made by Land Councils taken on board from our comprehensive submissions. This feels like a sign of things to come. Instead of improving the Bill, the Territory Coordinator’s decision-making powers in the final draft are expanded, and the public’s right of review is removed.

The removal of merits review from the NT Petroleum, Planning and Water Acts is also likely to be passed in the March Sittings of Parliament.

When taken alongside the Territory Coordinator Bill, this represents a fundamental attack on the rights of Territorians to scrutinise government decision-making and protect the parts of the Territory’s society and environment that are important to them.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council Chair Matthew Ryan:

“We should not be sidelined by the NT Government, we should have a seat at the table when it comes to decision-making that affects our future.

“Most land from the Top End islands to Central Australia, including our coastline, is owned by Traditional Owners or is subject to Native Title which gives us an enormous stake in the Northern Territory economy.

Quotes attributable to Central Land Council Chief Executive Les Turner:

“This deeply anti-democratic law would give an unelected bureaucrat almost unlimited power to make up the rules on the run and ignore our elected representatives.

“Like Aboriginal people at the mercy of an all-powerful mission manager, this time all Territorians would have to submit to the Territory Coordinator who has been appointed specifically to undermine Aboriginal involvement in assessment and approval processes under current laws.”

Quotes attributable to Tiwi Land Council Chair Leslie Tungatalum:

“The people of the Northern Territory have had a lot to say about this Territory Coordinator through more than 540 submissions but the government won’t release them.

“This is a government that claimed they would be transparent. Their actions speak louder than words.”

Quotes attributable to Anindilyakwa Land Council Chair Cherelle Wurrawilya:

“All activities on Aboriginal land must involve the owners of that land.

“After all this is privately owned land. Any other private land owner would have the same expectations.

“The right people must be consulted and give their free, prior and informed consent.”

Territory Coordinator Bill - Submissions to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 08:15:07 GMT

Territory Coordinator Bill - Submissions to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee

Northern Land Council welcomes food security pledge

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 06:22:08 GMT

The Northern Land Council (NLC) has welcomed news that food security in remote communities has been included on the Federal Election agenda.

The Albanese Government has pledged to put a price cap on 30 essential items sold in remote community stores.

For many years food security in remote communities has been of great concern for the NLC and its constituents.

Access to healthy and affordable food is a basic human right, one that all people deserve, whether they're living in a remote community or the city.

The latest Closing the Gap data found health outcomes across the board for Aboriginal people were improving but were not on track for the 2031 target.

A lack of access to healthy and fresh food at a reasonable price in remote communities is a major factor in these poor health outcomes.

The NLC has advocated strongly for policy solutions to address food security and the cost of living in the bush including s regular maintenance and upgrades for barge landings; a process to report uncompetitive conduct; and ensuring Aboriginal leaders are properly consulted on the issue.

At the beginning of this year, the NLC made a Submission to the Parliamentary Committee on Northern Australia - Inquiry into Energy, Food and Water Security. The NLC urges the Federal Coalition to take a bipartisan approach to address food security and cost of living challenges facing remote communities and homelands.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council Chair Matthew Ryan:

“Food security underpins the health and wellbeing of people in our remote communities and pricing plays a major part in what food items end up in shopping baskets.

“The cost of everything, especially food for families is way too high in remote communities and that has been the case for many decades.

“Now is the time to stop talking about it and do something because people can’t afford to buy basic healthy food and that’s affecting every other aspect of the lives of those in our remote areas.

“If we are serious about Closing the Gap, then the price, availability and quality of food must be a priority.”

Northern Land Council disappointed by NTG decision to abandon Territory Treaty

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 07:01:53 GMT

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is disappointed and incredibly frustrated that Treaty is off the agenda in the Northern Territory.

The NLC supported plans for a Territory Treaty when it was first announced back in 2018 by the former NT Government.

The landmark 2018 Barunga Statement - signed by all four NT Land Councils and the NT Government - was a pillar of hope towards creating a better and more equitable future for all Territorians.

Despite the initial announcement, years of stalled action from the former NT Government resulted in a missed opportunity to make meaningful progress on Treaty in the NT.

This latest announcement is another example of successive governments dismissing the voices of Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory and their fight for self-determination.

The NLC looks forward to meeting with Government Ministers on a way forward.

Quotes attributed to the NLC Chair, Matthew Ryan:

“This announcement by the NT Government is a final blow to what has been a drawn out and frustrating path to achieving a Territory Treaty.

“It was only 12 months ago that the former NT Government announced a reboot of Territory Treaty negations, a move which was welcomed by the NLC.

“Treaty-making was never going to be easy. It’s long and complex, but we were committed to working alongside the NT Government to creating something that would benefit all Territorians.

“We have always said that Aboriginal people on the ground have the answers, but over and over again governments on all sides have chosen not to listen.”

Senate Order Reporting Contracts Jan24/Dec24

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 04:58:54 GMT

Senate Order for Entity Contracts listing related to the period 1 January 2024 - 31 december 2024

Submission to Parliamentary Committee on Northern Australia - Inquiry into Energy, Food and Water Security

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 07:39:08 GMT

Submission to Parliamentary Committee on Northern Australia -

Inquiry into Energy, Food and Water Security.Inquiry into Energy, Food and Water Security.

NLC Submission on the Territory Coordinator Bill

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 08:19:11 GMT

Submission to the Northern Territory Government Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet on the Draft Territory Coordinator Bill

Disappointment on Mataranka Water Allocation Plan

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 04:41:09 GMT

The Northern Land Council has condemned the NT Government’s Mataranka Water Allocation Plan (WAP), which was formally declared this week despite objections by Traditional Owners.

The plan covers a 9,000km ² area in the region and enables the extraction of more than 62,000 megalitres of water per year from the ancient aquifer connected to the Roper River system, including the springs at Mataranka.

Traditional Owners have long opposed the plan which fails to protect cultural sites and areas of cultural use, and presents significant ecological and environmental risks.

Despite being a signatory to the National Water Initiative (NWI), the NT Government has failed to genuinely consult with Traditional Owners, and failed to produce a plan informed by best-available science and socioeconomic analysis as required.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“The Mataranka Water Allocation Plan is an absolute failure. It’s dismissive of the environment and our culture.

“Both the previous and the current NT Government have ignored the voices of Traditional Owners who have repeatedly said that the health and viability of the Roper River and the springs at Mataranka are at great risk.

“Water is life. It is our most valuable resource and Traditional Owners have an obligation to take care of the land and areas of cultural significance.

“For many years the Ngalakgan, Alawa, Mangarrayi, Ngandi, Marra, Warndarrang, Nunggubuyu, Ritharrngu-Wagilak and Rembarrnga people have protested this water allocation plan, calling for a ban on all further water extraction. However, their words have fallen on deaf ears.

“There’s clearly no forward-thinking going on here. This is not only very disrespectful to the Traditional Owners, but to all Territorians who are relying on us to create a healthy and sustainable environment for future generations.”

For further information please contact media@nlc.org.au .

Access a copy of the Water Allocation Plan here.

Land Rights News: December 2024

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 02:10:14 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Read the latest Land Rights News - Northern Edition

The NLC responds to unfair claims by Equitorial Launch Australia

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 03:02:32 GMT

The Northern Land Council sets the record straight on falsehoods shared by Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) as it announced its relocation to Queensland.

Yesterday, ELA announced its disappointing decision to immediately cease operations at the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC) in the NT and relocate the spaceport to a new site in Weipa, Queensland.

In a statement, ELA provided inaccurate, unrealistic timelines and unfairly blamed the NLC for delays as the reason for their decision.

The NLC has engaged proactively and positively to facilitate a substantial, swift and, most crucially, safe agreement being made between ASC and Traditional Owners.

The NLC, under its statutory obligations, is required to facilitate Section 19 Land Use Agreements between Aboriginal people and entities wishing to conduct business on their land, across the Top End of the NT.

Since September 2023, there have been ongoing negotiations to set the terms of an agreement to expand ASC, located on the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Land Trust, without resolution. The NLC has consistently requested essential information and terms to be provided, so that it could facilitate informative consultations with all Traditional Owners affected, including progressing the work of independent expert consultants.

The NLC highlights that these ASC negotiations have included further complications from ELA, such as attempts to circumvent sacred sites protection requirements, breaches of previous agreement conditions, requiring confidentiality agreements, and significantly delaying responses to crucial correspondence.

The NLC acknowledges the opportunities the ASC could present to Aboriginal people across the Top End in terms of economic development and education. For this reason, the NLC prioritised the initial agreement to establish the ASC, followed by the processing of this expansion agreement, and subsequently addressing complications as they have arisen.

However, the NLC takes its responsibility to obtain free, prior and informed consent from all affected parties seriously when it comes to any business on Aboriginal Lands. We facilitate a thorough system, supporting the effective review and processing of all agreement applications, and can only progress applications when all key components are received.

Quotes attributable to Matthew Ryan, NLC Chair:

“It is vital for Countrymen, and in the interest of all Australians, that sacred and cultural sites are protected and at the same time Aboriginal people are included in and benefit from economic developments on their Country. This can only be achieved through upholding the thorough Section 19 Agreement process, facilitated by the NLC.

“Our people will not be pushed into cutting corners for outside business timelines, nor can we jeopardise cultural obligations, our Country, or the hard-won Land Rights of our people.

“We stand with our East Arnhem-based Council Members and all the clans of East Arnhem Land, when we say that we are very disappointed with how ELA has handled this. Especially the false timeline they are sharing and how they have obviously been working behind-the-scenes with Queensland – where they don’t have the Aboriginal Land Rights Act to make sure Aboriginal Lands are respected and protected, and where they already have that appointed Coordinator to dangerously rush things through.

“The NLC has worked hard to keep this ASC agreement moving and always communicate with ELA through what has been a complicated but really important process.”

Kenbi Land Claim concludes: Cox Peninsula returned to Traditional Owners

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:11:43 GMT

The historic Kenbi Land Claim, one of the longest-running land claims in Australia, has been finalised with the Australian and Northern Territory (NT) governments handing back the final parcels of land on the Cox Peninsula to the Kenbi Land Trust and Larrakia Development Corporation.

This important milestone marks the resolution of a nearly half-century-long process to return Country to the Traditional Owners. The land handback includes the Cox Peninsula, nearby islands, and Sea Country areas: reaching to the low tide mark, with measures in place to balance sacred site protections with public access.

The finalisation of the Kenbi Land Claim provides new opportunities for the Traditional Owners to pursue economic development, land management, and initiatives to preserve culture.

This collaboration between the Traditional Owners, the NLC, and the government highlights the power of partnership in resolving complex land issues and achieving meaningful outcomes.

There will be permit-free access to the intertidal zone (between the high and low tide waterlines), supporting recreational activities such as fishing and camping. Meanwhile, designated camping areas are being developed in consultation with Traditional Owners to enhance visitor experiences while respecting cultural heritage.

Public access to specific roads and tracks – such as Cox Peninsula Road and Talc Head Road –

remain unrestricted. Additionally, restricted areas established in 2016 to protect sacred sites are unchanged, ensuring these culturally significant places are preserved.

For information on accessible areas, including maps, visit www.nlc.org.au.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

The finalising of the Kenbi Land Claim is not just about returning land; it is about acknowledging history, culture, and the deep connection Traditional Owners have to their Country.
This is a really big moment for the Larrakia people and all Traditional Owners involved in the Kenbi Land Claim.
It is a credit to their determination over the last 50 years. This will allow Traditional Owners to keep their cultural ties to their land strong, while also exploring economic opportunities for future generations.
This is an important reminder that Aboriginal lands must be respected, and that partnerships based on respect can lead to a better way forward.

For interviews or further information please contact media@nlc.org.au .

New buoys installed at Finniss River closure line to provide clarity and improve compliance

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 02:15:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council (NLC) has facilitated the installation of two purpose-built marine buoys on the Finniss River to mark the closure line for the Delissaville/Wagait/Larrakia Aboriginal Land Trust (DWL ALT).

This initiative, requested by Traditional Owners and supported by NLC, aims to address ongoing concerns relating to unauthorised access to waters overlying Aboriginal land, which is private land under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, and improve public education and compliance in line with legislation.

The Finniss River closure line has, for decades, been the subject of much deliberation and confusion amongst the fishing community, local Dundee and Channel Point residents, as well as visitors to the area.

The closure line, located at 12° 53.12’ S, 130° 22.3968’ E, is situated approximately five-kilometres upstream from the mouth of the Finniss River. This is the point where the river winds its way into the DWL ALT. From here, it is classified as waters overlying Aboriginal land, and access requires the appropriate permissions from land owners.

The installation of these buoys does not reflect new or changed access arrangements.

Earlier in the year, NLC’s Bulgul Rangers, in partnership with Parks Australia, conducted compliance patrols. These inspections resulted in fines being issued to recreational fishers who were found to have accessed the Finniss and Little Finniss Rivers without the required permission from Traditional Owners.

With the addition of public education tools such as signage installed at Dundee and Channel Point boat ramps several years ago, these buoys aim to ensure fishers understand any access requirements and can enjoy fishing the Finniss River in a compliant manner.

Traditional Owners have long held legal rights to the upper reaches of the Finniss River, but have had to withstand years of the public breaches. Due to limited compliance and enforcement support from NT Government agencies, Traditional Owners have to regularly educate fishers.

The new buoys are a welcome addition for Traditional Owners, hopefully reducing the demands on them to individually educate fishers about their Land and Sea Country.

Fishers can find up-to-date information on accessing the Finniss River, and other Sea Country in the NLC’s regions, a t http://www.nlc.org.au/recreationalfishing .

Quotes attributable to NLC Deputy Chair and Rak Mak Mak Marranungu Traditional Owner from the Finniss River area Calvin Devereaux:

“These measures have always been about Traditional Owners protecting and nurturing the local habitat, including the sustainable management of Fogg Bay and the Finniss area. The benefits this creates — especially by supporting a thriving fishery that extends outside the closure area — are for the enjoyment of everyone.”

“It has been exhausting for the Traditional Owners and Rangers, who often come across boats where they shouldn’t be. Most of the time the fishers claim to have no knowledge of the closure line, are appreciative of the advice, and generally turn straight around. However, there are always a number of boats who clearly know the area, and just keep coming back.”

“We hope the buoys prove useful in clarifying the Aboriginal Land Trust boundary line, and we know with this information clearly available most fishers will show a level of understanding and respect for Traditional Owners’ wishes.”

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“These buoys provide a clear marker for fishers. They will be very helpful in protecting our Aboriginal Waters while balancing the interests of the wider community.”

“Education, compliance and enforcement are very important. The NLC looks forward to continuing this work, and having Government and Fisheries join with our Sea Country staff and Rangers on the ground, to make sure the law is upheld.”

“Other parts of the Finniss coastline are currently closed and broader access negotiations for that region are continuing. Constant reports of people doing the wrong thing aren’t helping. We hope that clearer public information (like these buoys) and having people out there following the rules will mean these other negotiations can progress too.”

Truth telling remains crucial in combatting police racism

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 00:27:27 GMT

The NLC is concerned by the findings of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption’s investigation into allegations of racism within the NT Police Tactical Response Group.

For the NLC, systemic racism in the NT Police Force, both the Tactical Response Group (TRG) and more generally, is not just a relic of the past. Our communities continue to share their stories of discrimination and injustice at the hands of law enforcement.

Despite uncovering evidence of historical racist conduct, perpetuating harmful stereotypes of Aboriginal people, the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) has decided to close its probe into TRG without adverse findings or further investigation.

ICAC concluded there was no admissible evidence to warrant individual charges or resources for further inquiry into NT Police. These findings and the subsequent decision to halt further investigations fail to reflect the lived realities of Aboriginal people across the Top End.

The NLC will not accept any attempt to minimise or dismiss these harmful practices as isolated or historic. The ICAC’s failure to hold individuals or the institution accountable undermines the gravity of the issue and reinforces mistrust in the system.

Police Commissioner Michael Murphy’s own acknowledgment o f the “ police service’s historical and ongoing impacts on Aboriginal communities ”, followed by apologies at the NLC’s most recent Full Council Meeting as well as Garma Fes tival earlier year, are important steps in the right direction.

For ICAC to now come out and gaslight Aboriginal Territorians by denying racism beyond 2015, only damages reconciliation efforts, including those that are currently being made by the NT Police.

The NLC calls on NT Government and the NT Police to continue to take meaningful steps toward addressing systemic racism.

The NT Government says they are “tough on crime”, and we want this to extend beyond Darwin. Law and order must be upheld in our communities; NT Police need to be properly directed and resourced to ensure this.

The NLC has also experienced some instances where NT Police appear reluctant to uphold the law on Aboriginal Land and Waters. It is our hope that NT Police and other relevant authorities can work more closely with our Permits Officers and Aboriginal Rangers on compliance.

We are already having conversations with NT Police to support cross-cultural training in the NLC’s seven regions.

It is crucial that NT Police continue to engage directly with Aboriginal communities to rebuild trust as well as establish independent oversight to investigate all complaints of racial discrimination.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“Things can only improve if we start with truth telling.

“This flawed report by ICAC on the NT Police, and especially that there will be no further investigation, is disappointing.

“It goes against what the NLC hears from our people on the ground. ICAC coming out and saying racism has not been a problem in the last decade, just makes everyone have even less trust in the systems, and that things will get any better.

“The NLC will continue to demand change to ensure that our constituents feel safe, respected, and heard.

“We ask the NT Police Force to work with Aboriginal leaders and communities to confront the issues that continue today.”

Evidence of people smuggling on illegal foreign fishings boats

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 03:38:02 GMT

THE NLC HAS ESCALATED ITS CALLS TO TOUGHEN UP ON ILLEGAL FOREIGN FISHING VESSELS THIS WEEK WITH PROOF THE BOATS ARE ALSO BEING USED FOR PEOPLE SMUGGLING.

Garngi Rangers assisted four foreign nationals who arrived on a foreign fishing boat at a remote Northern Territory island northeast of Darwin, claiming they had paid US$6,000 to be brought to Australia.

The men were left on Peacock Island early on Sunday morning and walked over to nearby Croker Island at low tide.

Later that night, one of the men walked into Wanakutja Outstation seeking help, and locals from the Minjilang community were called to assist. A second man was found en route to Alamirra (Big Creek) where rangers were camped as part of a marine research project.

Garngi Rangers provided first aid to the men who were dehydrated and suffering from exhaustion. They gave them food and water, and set them up with swags and a tent for the night.

Communicating via a translator app, the foreign nationals revealed there were two more people in the area. They were located by the rangers at a nearby beach the following morning.

The rangers contacted Australian Border Force (ABF) and NT Police and continued to care for the men until they arrived at Croker Island on Monday afternoon.

Rangers regularly patrol and monitor Aboriginal-owned coastlines across the Territory, supporting the work of agencies such as ABF and Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) as well as the Australian Defence Force.

A recent influx of foreign fishing boats along the West Arnhem Land coastline has concerned rangers due to the threats to the Territory’s sustainable fisheries management, land and marine ecosystems, border security, biosecurity, and community safety.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“This example of people smuggling by illegal foreign fishermen makes it very clear there is no room for complacency. We need a much tougher approach from Federal Government authorities.

“These illegal fishermen have been stealing from our Sea Country and encroaching on our land for a long time now and they have recently stepped up the pace. Now we know for sure that they’re people smuggling as well, which takes it to a whole new level.

“These poor blokes were dumped with no food or water and left to fend for themselves; and it’s no exaggeration to say that without the help from our rangers and Croker Island community members, they would have been in very deep trouble. I’m giving a big shout out to the Garngi Rangers for the compassion they showed these men, and for keeping them safe until authorities arrived.

“Rangers play an important role in supporting AFMA and ABF to keep our Country and Australia safe, and the Federal Government must make sure ranger groups are properly resourced and equipped.

“The ABF say they’re not ‘overly concerned’ but we are, and are calling on them to do their job properly.”

Tough penalties needed to combat ongoing foreign fishing vessel incursions

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 07:37:26 GMT

The NLC says authorities must take a tougher approach to foreign fishing vessel incursions amid an influx of boats breaching Aboriginal land and waters along the West Arnhem Land coastline.

Chair Matthew Ryan has called on Federal and Northern Territory Government agencies to work collaboratively to create stronger deterrents to curb the activity which has increased markedly in recent months.

Ba winanga (Djelk) Rangers spotted yet another foreign fishing boat hidden beneath mangroves at an intertidal zone at Maningrida last week, with its crew members swimming and wandering along the beach at Rolling Bay. In a separate incident, community members at a mainland outstation south of Warruwi said a crew that was camped on the beach late last week had broken into their cars and stolen fuel and oil. A further vessel was sighted by Garngi Rangers on the north western side of Croker Island on Sunday morning; and the carcasses of two sharks with the fins and tails removed had washed up on the beach on the east coast of Cape Croker.

The sightings are a credit to the NLC’s Aboriginal ranger groups which regularly surveil the coastline by sea and air. The rangers support the work of agencies such as Australian Border Force and Australian Fisheries Management Authority as well as the Australian Defence Force.

Illegal foreign fishing creates biosecurity risks and poses serious threats to the Territory’s sustainable fisheries management; marine ecosystems; border security; and community safety. It is also linked to other illegal activities including organised crime and human rights abuses.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council Chair Matthew Ryan:

“The Territory’s West Arnhem coastline is being targeted by illegal fishermen because i t’s so close to Indonesia, and there has been a distinct spike in boat numbers.

“These foreign fishing crews have been camping on Aboriginal land and people in our communities are worried because they know the fishermen have a lot to lose and they don’t know how far they’ll go to protect their stolen stock.

“Illegal fishing needs to be addressed urgently, and the NLC believes offenders should receive the toughest-possible penalties to deter this activity, which places our land and sea at great risk. It’s not good enough to simply tell these people to leave Australian waters, we need a much stronger appro ach to stop them stealing our resources. Crew members of each and every illegal fishing vessel should be prosecuted.

“Our rangers are the frontline monitors of our coast and they are in an ideal position to work alongside the Federal Government agencies to help address this situation. That’s why the NLC continues to seek better resources and more on-ground support for our rangers.”

2023-24 Annual Report

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 23:31:42 GMT

The NLC's Annual Report 2023-24 provides a comprehensive account of its performance form 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024 in accordance with its obligations under the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976 (Cth), the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), the Aboriginal Land Act 1978 (NT) and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (Cth)

The Annual Report 2023–24 is divided into five parts:

• About Us: Our Land, Our Sea, Our Life.

• The Year in Review: Our achievements and challenges for the reporting year.

• Corporate Governance and Management.

• Financial Statements: Details on income and expenses for the NLC as a Commonwealth entity, its subsidiaries and as a Native Title Representative Body.

• Appendices and references.

The NLC submits this report to the Minister for Indigenous Australians for tabling in the Australian Parliament.

The NLC announces new CEO

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:56:22 GMT

The NLC is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Yuseph Deen as its Chief Executive Officer, effective December 9, 2024.

Mr. Deen joins NLC following his tenure as CEO of the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC).

As a descendant of the Wuthathi peoples with connections to the Gunggandji and Torres Strait Islands, he brings extensive insight to the NLC, as well as experience in local government and Aboriginal governance.

Over the past 25 years, Mr. Deen has supported First Nations People to secure and protect rights, land, culture and heritage as well as natural resource management and community development. In addition to his leadership across the NSW Land Rights network, he has worked with the North Queensland Land Council, the Indigenous Land Corporation, Lumbu Indigenous Community Foundation and the Western Cape Communities Trust.

Mr. Deen’s commitment to social justice, cultural respect, and community engagement aligns with the core values of the NLC: respect, integrity, and empowerment.

As the CEO, Mr. Deen will focus on implementing the strategic objectives of the NLC, ensuring that Aboriginal people can acquire and manage their lands to their greatest benefit. He aims to foster an environment where the voices of our constituents are heard and their rights are upheld.

The NLC extends its gratitude to Mrs. Jessie Schaecken for her outstanding leadership and dedication during her seven months as Interim CEO. Throughout this period, Mrs. Schaecken has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the NLC, effectively guiding the organisation through challenges and opportunities. Her collaborative approach and success strengthening governance has laid a solid foundation for Mr. Deen.

Quotes attributable to Mr. Matthew Ryan, Chair of the NLC:

• “On behalf of the NLC, I am happy to announce that Yuseph Deen will be our new CEO. Mr Deen has a lot of experience in Indigenous affairs. He is committed to our communities, and his proven leadership skills make him the right person to lead the NLC into the future.”

• “Our Executive Council, together with a recruitment agency, began the search for a new CEO earlier this year. I want to acknowledge and thank Mrs. Schaecken who has led the NLC with integrity and dedication over the past seven months. She has guided the NLC through this time of transition, and we are very appreciative of everything she has done."

• “I am confident that under the leadership of Mr. Deen, the NLC will continue to be a powerful advocate for the rights of Aboriginal people and help drive positive change across our seven regions. We look forward to working closely with him to build on past successes and navigate future opportunities to support our people.”

Quotes attributable to Mr. Yuseph Deen, incoming CEO of the NLC:

• “It is an honour to be appointed CEO of the Northern Land Council. I am deeply committed to continuing the important work of the NLC in protecting the rights and interests of Traditional Owners across the NLC’s seven regions.”

• “Together with the NLC team, I will work to ensure that our people have a strong voice in land and sea management and that we continue to build sustainable futures for all Aboriginal communities.”

• “I look forward to leading the organisation during this crucial time.”

Gunlom Falls sentence a lesson on sacred site protection

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 01:56:59 GMT

Today’s sentencing of Parks Australia is an important final step in the five-year legal battle over a damaged Jawoyn sacred site in Kakadu.

A two-day local court hearing, held on Country at Gunlom Falls, has resulted in Parks Australia receiving a $200,000 fine, to be paid to the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA).

To date, this is the largest fine given for damaging a sacred site in the Northern Territory.

This final ruling follows lengthy court proceedings over five years, during which the NLC has been working alongside Jawoyn Traditional Owners and AAPA.

Today’s sentence was delivered to the Director of National Parks after he pleaded guilty earlier in the year. At the hearing over Tuesday and Wednesday, Traditional Owners Joshua Hunter, Joe Markham, Rachel Wilika and Bernadette Calma gave powerful victim impact statements.

The NLC commends the hard work of Traditional Owners and AAPA in the fight to protect Aboriginal land and their sacred sites.

This outcome is a win for Traditional Owners of the region, and acknowledges that protecting sacred sites, history and culture are critically important.

Quotes attributed to Jawoyn Traditional Owner, Joshua Hunter

“I am incredibly grateful for this decision today. It’s been a long time coming.”

“I hope this helps people understand that there needs to be respect and understanding for our cultural customs, laws and our obligations as Traditional Owners as we care for our Country.”

Quotes attributed to Matthew Ryan, NLC Chair

“AAPA and the Traditional Owners have worked really hard over the last five years to recognise Gunlom as a sacred place. Now we can all look to the future of caring for this incredible place.”

“Sacred places must be respected by all parties, and proper processes should be followed. Today’s sentencing is a lesson learnt that all people must be held accountable; no one is above the law.”

FURTHER BACKGROUND:

In 2019, AAPA prosecuted the Director of National Parks for breaching sacred site laws in relation to constructing a new walking track, which did not follow the route approved by Traditional Owners.

The track Parks built instead went right past a sacred men’s site, and this breach was only discovered when Traditional Owners were assisting with a search and rescue of a tourist who had gone missing while walking along this new track.

In October 2022, the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory found that the Director of National Parks cannot be held criminally responsible for offences under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989.

At the end of 2023 however, Traditional Owners and AAPA appealed the decision in the High Court. The NLC served as an intervenor in court proceedings, supporting its constituents in the matter, and travelled to Canberra for the hearing with Traditional Owners.

This successful appeal was significant because it settled whether the Commonwealth could rely on so-called ‘Crown Immunity’ to avoid criminal penalties for damaging sacred sites in the Northern Territory.

"Locking Territory kids up is not the answer" - NLC Chair

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 01:58:54 GMT

The NLC condemns the NT Government's move to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10.

The NLC calls on the NT Government to instead address the root causes of crime while investing in strong and safe remote communities.

This includes more housing in our remote communities and homelands to stop over-crowding; proper pathways to jobs on country; genuine opportunities for economic development and an education system that isn’t failing our kids in the bush.

It is critical that families and communities in the bush are supported to keep their kids out of trouble. The NLC believes this new legislation will not do that.

Lowering the age of criminal responsibility increases the risk of children coming into contact with the justice system at a younger age, reinforcing pathways to reoffending and potentially creating greater harm and risk for all Territorians.

Appropriate investments into local councils and community organisations who deliver preventative, effective, grassroots programs that keep kids engaged and on the right path must be made.

The NLC is will work with the NT Government and the Chief Minister to ensure sustainable and inclusive economic pathways for Aboriginal Territorians, as well as community-led solutions that lift communities.

Quotes attributed to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“Locking Territory kids up is not the answer.”

“The new government must invest in programs that keep communities and families strong in the bush. You can’t fix any problem without looking at what’s causing it first and locking kids up is a short-sighted approach.”

“Jobs on Country, proper housing in communities and homelands, and strong community programs that keep our young ones engaged and happy are all something we are looking forward to working with the NT Government on.”

Traditional Owners, Rangers and the NLC team up in permit blitz

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:45:53 GMT

Traditional Owners, Njanjma Rangers, and the Northern Land Council (NLC) headed out to Cahill’s Crossing last week for a permit blitz – checking vehicle drivers and passengers had the required permission before entering Aboriginal Land.

The permit compliance check came as the result of NLC Council Members raising concerns of visitors entering Aboriginal Land without the right permits at recent meetings.

With Cahills Crossing a gateway into Aboriginal Land, Traditional Owners, the NLC Permits and Compliance Teams (PACT), and Rangers created a temporary checkpoint station. This ran over Thursday, October 11 to Friday, October 12, to ensure the public had the correct documentation to continue past the crossing.

Australian law requires visitors to have a written permit to enter Aboriginal Land - for work, travel, or recreation purposes. The NLC is responsible for processing permits in the Top End through consultation with Traditional Owners.

This system upholds the rights and privacy of Aboriginal communities as well as promoting visitor safety.

NT Police are responsible for the enforcement and prosecution of persons entering Aboriginal land without a permit across the NLC’s seven regions. Traditional Owners can also ask visitors for proof of permit while on their land.

Those who are found without the correct documentation can be refused entry and may also face penalties for their breach.

Traditional Owners and the NLC PACT are keen to work alongside NT Police to ensure this process is upheld, improved and expanded.

The NLC is currently pushing for amendments to the NT Aboriginal Land Act 1978, through the Aboriginal Land Unlawful Access and Compliance Working Group, with NTG.

The recent permit blitz marks the start of a broader campaign to increase public awareness of what the NLC Permit system is, why its important visitors have written permission before they travel, and how to obtain one via the website.

You need to apply to the NLC for a permit if you wish to undertake any of the following activities on Aboriginal Land across the NLC region:

Enter Aboriginal Land or waters for any purpose
Travel by private road on Aboriginal Land
Enter or visit an Aboriginal Community

To apply for a permit or to find out more about our system, head here: https://www.nlc.org.au/permits

Quotes:

Grant Nayinggul, Traditional Owner and Njanjma Aboriginal Corporation General Manager:

“I believe most people want to do the right thing. Visitors need to be educated about when they need a permit and why it’s so important to us Traditional Owners that they have one.”

“This is about respect. Traditional Owners are responsible for the people on our Country and if we don’t know who is visiting and what they’re doing, that’s not a good thing.”

“I’m looking forward to running more of these permit checks at Cahills Crossing and in other regions.”

Matthew Ryan, Chair of the NLC:

"If you're planning on entering Aboriginal Land, you need to have a permit – it's as simple as that"

"Asking the right people for permission is about respecting Traditional Owners, and it's about respecting the Country you’re on.”

“It’s really important everyone works together to uphold our permit system – from the NLC PACT to the Traditional Owners and the NT Police. I look forward to working with the authorities on future projects to get this job done properly.”

Aboriginal Rangers identify foreign fishing vessels in West Arnhem Land

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 01:49:09 GMT

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is alarmed by a recent increase in the amount of foreign fishing vessels landing on Aboriginal Land in north-west Arnhem Land.

In recent weeks, there have been reports of several foreign fishing vessels landing on Cobourg Peninsula and Croker Island consistent with a trending increase in boats in recent years.

On Friday, October 11, Garngi Rangers were working on fire management projects when they discovered four vessels hiding out in the remote mangrove creeks on the north-western edge of Croker Island.

This sighting followed reports from the Traditional Owners of the Cobourg Peninsula region that several vessels had been located, with accounts of as many as 30 people from these boats spotted walking along the coastline.

The NLC is concerned that the north-west Arnhem region is being targeted by illegal foreign fishing due to its abundant fisheries resources, its remoteness, and a lack of enforcement in the region.

Traditional Owners have expressed deep concerns of the impact of foreign fishing vessels threatening sustainable fisheries management as well as the potentially devastating biosecurity risks.

The Aboriginal Ranger groups have been the eyes and ears for the vast northern coastline for many years. The Rangers have had a crucial role to play in providing intelligence and support to the Australian Fisheries

Management Authority (AFMA) and Australian Border Force (ABF) to protect Australia’s coastline.

The NLC and Rangers have partnered with biosecurity and fisheries management agencies over the past few decades to help protect Australia’s vast and remote coastline. This has been a successful partnership but the NLC believes more can be done and wants to partner with government agencies to extend and continue to strengthen our surveillance response. There is a need to step up effort to protect Australian coastline, which in the NT is 85% Aboriginal-owned land.

The biosecurity risks to Australia are significant. With Indonesian outbreaks of lumpy skin, and foot and mouth disease, incidences like this pose an incredible threat to local industries.

Our constituents are very worried about bird flu getting into magpie geese and wild duck populations which are a food source for remote communities. If these diseases were to enter Australia it would greatly impact livelihoods and cost the Australian economy billions of dollars.

Additionally, the risks to human health from increased foreign fishing vessels is concerning, with Monkey Pox, Tuberculosis and the potential for rabies real threats to our communities.

A forfeiture and turnaround approach does not seem to be enough of a deterrent as vessels appear to be increasing in our region.

Ranger groups will continue to undertake regular monitoring of their coastlines, and provide reports to the relevant agencies, but are deeply concerned by the decline in practical support over the past few years.

The NLC is seeking stronger engagement and whole-of-government commitments to increase surveillance and to reinstate strong deterrents. Traditional Owners are dedicated to maintaining healthy Sea Country and sustainable fisheries (which foreign fishing vessels are targeting).

At a local level, the increase in vessels highlights the impacts of a significant decline in support for fisheries compliance and monitoring of Aboriginal-owned coastline.

The partnerships and support that were previously held with NT Water Police, NT Fisheries and Aboriginal Ranger groups contributed to ensuring these significant quarantine risks would not reach Australian shores.

The NLC encourages the current NT Government to reconsider its approach to the amount of on-ground support provided to coastal Aboriginal Ranger groups.

Quotes attributed to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“The NLC understands that illegal foreign fishers are coming to the Top End as a high risk, high reward opportunity, as their fishing grounds are often overfished.”

“Local Rangers and Traditional Owners have an incredible knowledge of Country and a strong understanding of entry and exit points – where they access freshwater and where they move with the tides to know where to prioritise patrol efforts to find illegal boats. Rangers’ reports of boats increasingly coming ashore on their Country in Arnhem Land is very concerning and needs to be addressed straight away.

“Rangers and Traditional Owners carry out a really important service to help keep Australia’s northern coastline healthy and safe. A strong partnership with AFMA, ABF, NT Fisheries and NT Water Police is key, especially during this time of year when boat numbers increase.”

Nitjpurru community host emergency planning meeting

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:23:52 GMT

This week, the community of Nitjpurru (formerly Pidgeon Hole) held an emergency planning meeting. Led by Traditional Owners and Elders, it brought together residents, the Northern Land Council (NLC), and key stakeholders to address urgent needs ahead of the upcoming wet season and potential floods.

Representatives from the Northern Territory Emergency Service (NTES), NT Police, Victoria Daly Regional Council, Northern Territory Government, the local school and the Walangeri Ngumpinku Aboriginal Corporation were also in attendance. The group discussed steps to enhance emergency preparedness, establish effective communication services and strategies, and improve shelter conditions, as well as longer-term solutions.

Seven-hundred-kilometres south of Darwin, Nitjpurru is located on Bilinara Aboriginal Land Trust, which adjoins Victoria River Downs pastoral lease (Pidgeon Hole Station). Nearby the Victoria River, the low-lying community is home to around 140 people. It has experienced several severe flood events, which appear to be increasing in their frequency.

On Wednesday, community members raised concerns about the inadequacy of their current emergency shelter facility, which is located on the higher ground beside the airstrip. They highlighted the need for expanding and renovating the open structure to allow for cultural appropriateness (protocols require some residents distance from others), proper flushing toilets and showers, as well as the connection of reliable power to the site.

Last year several community members were forced to erect their own makeshift shelters from plastic and mesh fencing; many fear they will need to do this again this wet season.

The importance of timely communication during emergencies was also stressed. NT Police and NTES were asked to ensure weather warnings and critical updates are effectively relayed to the community.

Walangeri Ngumpinku Aboriginal Corporation shared an update on the work to erect a new Telstra tower to provide mobile service to the community, which is currently being progressed through a sacred sites assessment by the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority.

The need to relocate the community to higher ground was again raised, with residents calling for this longer-term vision to be progressed with priority.

As future floods loom, the NLC is committed to supporting the people of Nitjipurru. Our Council understands that they want to see appropriate measures put in place now, but at the same time steps made to ensure a safe and prosperous future for the community.

Quotes attributable to Traditional Owner Elmore Anzac:

"Thank you to everyone for coming here today, we are happy to have police, emergency services, and councils here with us.”

“We have been saying for a long time now, that we need a safe place to go in the floods. We need that shelter fixed up, and to get power and water up there.”

“But these big floods have been happening for generations, so we also need the government to support us to make the proper plans to relocate the community. We don’t want to have to evacuate to Darwin each year -- it’s not safe, not everyone wants to go, and all our pets stay behind, and we don’t see them again.”

Quotes attributed to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“With the big floods that Nitjpurru has faced in recent years, it was important for the community to hold this meeting and for a coordinated plan to be organised. The safety and wellbeing of the residents depends on all stakeholders acting swiftly.”

“The voices of residents have been heard, and now the actions to protect their safety must be taken. We don’t want any more delays or just talk-talk. Together, with emergency services, police and others, the NLC is ready to do everything we can to support a safer future for Nitjpurru.”

Traditional Owners celebrate strength and spirit at relaunched Lúrra Festival

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 09:51:28 GMT

Lúrra Festival was back last weekend with an expanded offering of community celebration, music, fashion, culture, and sport.

Led by Maningrida Traditional Owners and Elders , 2024 is the first year that Lúrra Festival has run since the pandemic in 2021.

In May this year , the Dhukurrdji Traditional Owner group allocated a portion of their Community Projects funds (from Land Use Agreements) towards getting the festival back up and running.

The Traditional Owners also decided to apply for the NLC’s Matched Funding Program to support local Aboriginal bands to perform at the festival as well as to engage an events coordinator.

A vibrant opening ceremony and Bungul, local basketball and football competitions, weaving and didgeridoo painting workshops, and a bush food cook-up took place across the three days, from September 20 ^th to 22 ^nd .

Bands and artists from Arnhem Land and the rest of the Northern Territory (NT) took to the stage each night, with a massive line-up of big-name acts including J Milla, Ripple Effect, and Liverpool River.

One of the major highlights of the weekend was a fashion show featuring emerging local models wearing Babarra Women’s Centre designs, and a limited-edition collection from NT clothing brand House of Darwin.

Prior to walking the runway, the models (spanning children to Senior Elders), participated in fashion workshops run by Maningrida woman and artist, Noni Eather, and Yirrakala woman and international model, Maminydjama (Magnolia) Maymuru, showcasing rising stars the ins-and-outs of the fashion world.

The festival was supported by many Maningrida and NT organisations, as well as a dedicated crew of volunteers and staff that worked non-stop to make the return of Lúrra a huge success.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Mr Matthew Ryan:

“This event has been a great showcase of how Traditional Owners can utilise the NLC’s Community Projects and Development program, and its Matched Funding initiative, to bring opportunities and celebration to their communities.

“Lúrra – coming together – this is what the Festival is all about. It really shared the strengths and talents of the strong local community, and incredible region.”

“A big congratulations to local Maningrida groups, including Nja-Marleya Maningrida, Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation, and Dhukurrdji Development Corporation for their hard work in making it happen.”

“I would also like to acknowledge the Sorry Business being conducted in and around Maningrida over the same weekend. I pay my respects to all the families, and the loved ones lost.”

Find out more abo ut NLC’s Community Projects and Development program, including opportunities such as its Matched Funding initiative here .

The NLC congratulates newly elected CLC leadership

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 09:30:56 GMT

The NLC warmly congratulates Mr. Warren Williams on his election as Chair of the Central Land Council (CLC).

Mr. Williams, formerly the CLC Deputy Chair, brings a wealth of leadership experience to this important role.

Elected during a special meeting in Tennant Creek, Mr. Williams has a distinguished background, having previously served as a councilor and Deputy President of the Central Desert Regional Council, as well as Chair of the Yuendumu Warlpiri Project. His commitment to advocating for Aboriginal communities across the Northern Territory underscores his dedication to creating a sustainable future for generations to come.

In his acceptance address, Mr. Williams have vowed to continue to speak up for people in the bush while upholding the CLC's strong governance culture, commitment to honesty, and fairness.

The NLC looks forward to collaborating with Mr. Williams as well as the newly elected Deputy Chair, Barbara Shaw, to ensure the wishes of Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners are fulfilled across the Northern Territory.

Quotes attributable to the NLC Chair, Matthew Ryan:

“On behalf of the NLC, I extend my congratulations to Mr. Warren Williams on his new position within the CLC. His strong leadership and commitment to good governance will be a testament to the Territory land councils as we continue our duty to care for Country and Community.”

“I look forward to working alongside Mr. Warren Williams to advocate for the rights and interests of Aboriginal Territorians, from the Centre to the Top End.”

NLC Corporate Plan 2024-25

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 02:05:43 GMT

The NLC Corporate Plan provides information about the significant activities which the NLC will undertake over the four years, 2024/25 to 2027/28.

The NLC congratulates CLP on election victory

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 01:22:20 GMT

The NLC extends its congratulations to the Country Liberal Party (CLP) on forming government, and looks forward to a meeting with the Chief Minister-elect to discuss shared priorities.

The NLC is committed to building a strong, collaborative relationship with the new NT government. It welcomes a meeting with the administration to address critical issues facing the Territory, particularly those affecting Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners.

While the formation of the Northern Land Council in 1974 was part of a broader movement towards the recognition of Indigenous land rights in Australia, it was solidified by the passage of the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976 under the Federal government of Malcolm Fraser, which was a coalition between the Liberal Party and the National Country Party. Upon the establishment of self-government in the NT in 1978, the NLC then worked productively with the CLP for over two decades, and again under its leadership of Terry Mills (2012-2016).

Reflecting on this history, The NLC reiterated its commitment to constructive engagement with governments, regardless of political affiliation, at both the Territory and federal levels.

In July, the NLC hosted Deputy CLP Leader Gerard Maley at its Full Council Meeting in Gulkula. Today, Chair Matthew Ryan reached out to Chief Minister-elect Lia Finocchiaro to congratulate her and organise a meeting at her earliest convenience.

With the election of a new government, the NLC sees an opportunity for a new chapter in NT history. It is committed to ensuring that it is one that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful of the rich cultural heritage and contemporary self-determination of Aboriginal Territorians.

Quotes attributable to the NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

"We are hopeful that the new Chief Minister's vision to address crime, reinvigorate the economy, and restore lifestyles will include meaningful engagement with Aboriginal people, ensuring that our vital voices are heard and respected in the decision-making processes."

“I thank the CLP for its commitment to support Indigenous Rangers programs with $12 million in funding over the next four years. As the NLC continues to care for Country, we are eager to meet with the new government to discuss this and other priorities, including the Territory Treaty, remote housing and Homelands, Aboriginal Sea Rights compliance, and water licensing and land clearing issues as well.”

"We stand ready to work with the new government to achieve outcomes that benefit all Territorians."

The NLC remains fiercely politically independent

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 03:47:25 GMT

THE NLC rejects allegations that it has inappropriately used resources to interfere in the Northern Territory Election.

The NLC is an independent statutory authority responsible for assisting Aboriginal people in the northern half of the NT to acquire and manage their traditional lands and seas.

The NLC is not beholden to any political party. Since it was established in 1974, the Council has worked closely with successive Liberal and Labor governments for the betterment of its constituents across the Top End.

At the most recent meeting of its Full Council in July, the NLC hosted representatives from the Australian Electoral Commission and both the NT Country Liberal Party (CLP) and Labor parties. These representatives shared policy information and answered questions, reinforcing the NLC’s commitment to transparency and engagement with all sides of politics.

In the lead-up to the NT Election, the Council has been encouraging Countrymen across its seven regions to enroll, educate themselves on all candidates, and to vote. As part of civic empowerment efforts, it has also worked with electoral commissions on initiatives to increase Aboriginal voter participation.

The NLC has released statements in response to commitments made by both parties during the NT Election that are relevant to our constituents. These included the phase out commercial gillnet fishing (CLP and Labor), funding for Indigenous rangers (Labor) and the creation of a dedicated housing department (Labor).

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“I am committed to the NLC’s work to assist Countrymen across the NLC’s seven regions to acquire and manage their traditional lands and waters, and will work with all politicians no matter who is elected. I have already demonstrated this many times over my first six-months in this job.”
“Our Council’s focus has always been, and will continue to be, on serving the best interests of our communities.”

Quotes attributable to NLC Interim CEO Jessie Schaecken:

“Allegations that the NLC has inappropriately used resources on the NT Election are completely untrue and unfounded.”
“As an Accountable Authority, I am dedicated to transparency, meeting all our reporting requirements, cooperating fully with audits, and ensuring the highest standard of governance at this organisation.”

The NLC’s new Water Committee calls for investigation into NT water mismanagement

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 09:30:46 GMT

The NLC has taken a decisive step in the battle for Aboriginal water rights by establishing a new Water Committee, amidst growing concerns over government transparency and water management in the NT.

Water is sacred and vital for the Aboriginal communities across the NLC's seven regions. The NLC is committed to securing water rights that protect not only the lives and culture of current generations but also ensure environmental preservation and sustainable economic development for future generations.

The NLC calls for water policies that are fair, scientifically grounded, and start taking Aboriginal water rights seriously.

It has created a dedicated NLC Water Committee made up of 12 Council Members representing all of its seven regions. Chaired by Tony Jack, the Committee is committed to advocating for Aboriginal water rights and reserves, regulating permits for water access, and securing licenses that align with the cultural and economic interests of Aboriginal people.

Holding it first meeting last month (July 23-24), the Committee will come together regularly to address water rights issues, ensuring that the voices and concerns of Aboriginal people are heard and acted upon.

The Committee is particularly concerned about recent developments in water management across the NT, including the contentious Mataranka Water Plan and the alarming re-application for a 10,000 mega-litre water licence (which had already been denied as a result of an appeal in 2021). The Committee sees these actions as a disregard for Aboriginal interests and a continuation of the struggles faced by communities to protect their water resources.

These critical issues were most recently highlighted in an investigative report by the ABC’s 4 Corners , which aired last night. It featured NLC Water Committee member and Mangarrayi woman, Cecelia Lake, who guided journalists through the freshwater systems on her Country, showcasing the deep connection between Aboriginal people and their waterways.

The NLC stands in solidarity with the Traditional Owners who also spoke out about the mistreatment they had received as members of the Mataranka Water Advisory Committee, as part of this investigative report.

It is now imperative that the Federal Government undertake an investigation into land clearing, water management, and regulation in the NT.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

Water is life for us. Our Council has been listening to Countrymen across the seven regions stress how important water is: culturally, for our health, and in terms of our sustainable future. We have heard their concerns about over allocation, loud and clear.
This Water Committee will be a strong voice, stepping up the important work to protect Aboriginal Waters across the Top End.

Quotes attributable to NLC Water Committee Chair Tony Jack:
We have been out of the water discussion too long, meanwhile the governments have been moving ahead with plans that keep Aboriginal people out of the picture.
But we have always been watching, listening and learning – from our Traditional Owners, Council Members, Rangers and the scientists – we are aware of the dangerous impacts to fresh water already, and the bigger risks if they keep going down this path.
Through our Committee, the NLC wants water legislation and processes that include our Aboriginal people – protecting our ways of life that depended on thriving freshwater ecosystems, and also ensuring we are not locked out of opportunities for sustainable economic development linked to water.
We have obligations not only to the land but to water through our culture, Lore, sacred sites and Songlines – we are all interconnected with it. This is why we are committed to looking after water for the benefit of all Australians, especially the future generations.
The NT government needs to be more transparent. They need to engage with us, and listen to the independent scientists who have been working with Traditional Owners on the ground to get the true information. Together we are very worried about greedy water plans and the licencing to big industries. It is killing our rivers and it will destroy our way of life.

Labor commits to continue funding ranger programs, focus turns to CLP

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:03:36 GMT

The NLC celebrates the commitment by NT Labor to fund Indigenous Ranger programs in the Territory.

There are currently 31 Indigenous ranger groups operating across the vast expanse of the NLC’s seven regions. Traditional Owners of these regions are responsible for 210,000-square-kilometres of land and 2,072-square-kilometres of water.

The NLC welcomes Minister Selena Uibo announcement that, if Labor is re-elected, it would continue its commitment to funding the NT Aboriginal Ranger Grants Program, providing $12 million until June 2029.

Whilst the Country Liberal Party (CLP) have indicated that they will match NT Labor’s funding commitment, the NLC still awaits a public statement with details and confirmation of CLP’s matched, or even greater, investment in Indigenous ranger programs, specifically.

Labor’s funding will directly go to enhancing the work of rangers to keep Country healthy and productive. It will continue to ensure practical outcomes through supporting rangers with their essential equipment, facilities, skills development and links to researchers to support important jobs on Country.

Indigenous ranger programs in the NT deliver long-term environmental, economic and social development outcomes, and are internationally recognised as best-practice natural and cultural resource management models. Despite this, many Indigenous ranger groups are significantly under-resourced to manage their land and sea Country.

The NLC acknowledges that Labor’s commitment gives Indigenous ranger programs the security they need. However, it highlights that there has been no increase in funding since 2017. During this time, both operational expenses and workloads have significantly increased.

Expanding, not only extending, funding would ensure rangers are equipped to meet the growing demands.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“The NT government’s funding goes directly on-the-ground to ranger teams who know Country and how to care for it.”

“Aboriginal rangers are out there, day in day out, tackling some big threats on the Territory environment like controlling invasive weeds, retrieving ghost nets, managing fire in the savannas, and controlling feral animals from our wetlands.”

“The work that rangers do supports our fisheries, productive wetlands, healthy rivers and savanna landscapes. They help keep the Territory environment strong. Traditional Owners have dedicated a network of their Country as Indigenous Protected Areas focused on keeping Country healthy for generations to come.”

“It’s great Labor has committed to ongoing funding to support these programs operating in remote areas. The rangers are ensuring healthy land and seas for the benefit of all Australians. Let’s see the same good news from CLP, and also the investment in rangers grow.”

Quotes attributable to Senior Ranger (Numburindi – South-East Arnhem Land) Clive Nunggarrgalu

“My role is to take care of my Country. I'm really proud of my ranger job. I understand the law, the culture, and the sacred site area.”

“We see many threats to Sea Country, and work to keep it safe - protecting the dugong, dolphin, turtle, seaweed, and the little crab. It’s important to clean up the ghost nets floating in the water too. The risk is also the pig, buffalo, donkey, horses. That buffalo is the biggest risk and the pig – ruining all the food and the water. Pig is dangerous for the community. We are worrying about the beach side – the mangroves dying out and what's causing that problem.”

“NT government ranger grants are an important for us as we need new equipment, new vehicles and upgrades to our ranger base to keep doing our important work.”

The NLC supports creation of new department: Territory Homes

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 04:05:39 GMT

The Northern Land Council (NLC) applauds Chief Minister Eva Lawler’s commitment to form a dedicated, independent housing department, if her government is re-elected.

As a participant in the National Partnership Agreement for Remote Housing and Homelands and a member of its Joint Steering Committee, the NLC has advocated for a specialised housing department. Our Council believes such a department is crucial to effectively rolling out the recently announced $4 billion, 10-year investment in remote housing across the Northern Territory (NT).

Currently, housing responsibilities are dispersed across multiple government departments, yet the announced Territory Homes department would Integrate all facets, from planning and construction to property and tenancy management.

The NLC is optimistic that its establishment would foster improved implementation of new remote housing programs and lead to clearer processes for remote housing tenants.

This new department would align with the shared decision-making required to Close the Gap, lead to a more coordinated, successful approach within government, and better support the work of all staff across both the remote and urban housing sector.

As our constituents continue to advocate strongly for more housing for Homelands, to the NLC it is vital that Homelands would also be better supported in this new department.

The NLC would now like to see Chief Minister Lawler’s commitment mirrored by opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro, and awaits CLP’s response to Labor’s announcement.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

“This is a step in the right direction. Having housing looked after different government departments hasn’t been delivering the results that our people need on-the-ground.”

“We’re talking about basic human rights and something that impacts your life each and every day – our members see time and time again that good, culturally-appropriate housing is the foundation for good health and education, with this also leading to jobs, economic development and less social unrest.”

“The NLC welcomes this announcement by the current Chief Minister. We would be happy to see this new department remove confusion and barriers for Aboriginal people across the Top End, as well as allow the NT government to be better guided by the Joint Steering Committee. Now we want to hear the same from CLP.”

The NLC celebrates Burney's legacy, embraces McCarthy's leadership

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:35:32 GMT

The Northern Land Council thanks Linda Burney and welcomes Malarndirri McCarthy as New Minister for Indigenous Australians

The NLC extends its heartfelt gratitude to Linda Burney for her dedicated service as Minister for Indigenous Australians. Throughout her two decades of distinguished political service, Ms. Burney has been a steadfast advocate for Aboriginal communities. Her tireless efforts have brought about significant advancements in policy and on-the-ground support for our people.

As the first Aboriginal parliamentarian in NSW and the first Indigenous woman in the House of Representatives, her achievements are many. Highlights commended by our Council include: abolishing the controversial work-for-the-dole scheme, record investment in remote Aboriginal housing, and shoring up government support for justice reinvestment programs.

Ms. Burney’s commitment to justice, equality, and the preservation of our cultural values has been inspiring. Her leadership has made a lasting impact, and we are profoundly thankful for her dedication and support, particularly through the Voice Referendum. We thank her for her time, passion, and unwavering commitment and wish her all the best.

At the same time, we celebrate the appointment of our own Northern Territory Senator Malarndirri McCarthy as the new Minister for Indigenous Australians. Ms. McCarthy, who has been officially sworn in at a ceremony today at Government House, Canberra, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to her new role. Her appointment is warmly welcomed by the NLC and our constituents.

Ms. McCarthy is a Yanyuwa woman from our Borroloola/Barkly region. A former journalist with the ABC and SBS/NITV, Ms. McCarthy was elected to the Northern Territory Assembly as the Member for Arnhem in 2005. During her seven years in the Assembly, she held the Ministerial Portfolios of Local Government, Regional Development, Indigenous Development, Tourism, Women’s Policy, and Statehood.

Elected as Senator for the NT in 2016 and having served as the Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians from mid-2022, Ms. McCarthy brings a unique perspective. She is intimately familiar with the challenges and opportunities facing Territorians and demonstrates a perseverance to drive change. Her focus is on continuing to bring communities together and ensuring that remote communities are engaged with and heard.

In a humble statement, Ms. McCarthy expressed her gratitude, thanking the people of the NT who sent her to Canberra, and her commitment to giving our people a determined voice at the cabinet table.

The NLC looks forward to working with Minister McCarthy to continue advancing the rights of our constituents across the Top End, and Aboriginal communities across Australia more broadly. We are confident that her leadership will bring about meaningful progress and build on the significant foundations laid by Linda Burney.

Quotes Attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

"Linda Burney has been a dedicated, genuine Minister for our people. Despite the result we had with the Voice, her leadership has seen real progress made on the journey towards justice and equality for Aboriginal Australians.

“In her farewell, Minister Burney spoke about witnessing a younger generation of Aboriginal people who are now ready to take their places in the world. The hard work she has put in has inspired those young people, as it has our Council. We are grateful for all that she has achieved."

"The NLC is very proud to now welcome that local one! Malarndirri McCarthy, as the new Minister for Indigenous Australians. Her experience and deep connection to our communities will bring valuable knowledge and strong advocacy to Canberra."

"Malarndirri’s skills in bringing communities together and her focus on making sure the voices of remote communities are heard on a national level is what we need. We look forward to working with her closely to keep on advancing rights and Closing the Gap for our people."

Historic decision secures permanent protection for Jabiluka

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 10:35:20 GMT

The NLC joins the Mirarr Traditional Owners in celebrating the announcement that Jabiluka’s priceless heritage will be permanently protected.

Today the Northern Territory Minister for Mining Mark Monaghan announced the rejection of Energy Resources of Australia’s (ERA) application to extend its Jabiluka mining lease. A Special Reservation under the NT Mines Act will take effect on August 11th when the current lease expires, safeguarding Jabiluka from any future mining threats.

This pivotal decision, based on advice from the Commonwealth Minister for Resources Madeleine King, brings an end to a long fight by the Mirarr people. It ensures the preservation of Jabiluka’s priceless cultural and natural heritage, for Kakadu, Territorians, and all people globally.

Traditional Owners welcomed the news, following decades of staying strong and resolutely saying no. Elders highlighted that protecting their Country from mining threats was of utmost importance to them and the younger generations that are following.

The next steps involve seeking inclusion of the area as World Heritage, and integrating Jabiluka into Kakadu National Park.

Commenting on the rejection, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged that this part of Australia is home to some of the oldest rock art in the world. He also highlighted the discovery of tools dating back tens of thousands of years as evidence of the extraordinary and enduring connection Aboriginal people have had with this land.

The focus now also turns to the rehabilitation of the nearby former Ranger uranium mine site. The NLC calls on ERA and its majority shareholder Rio Tinto, alongside the governments to ensure that the Ranger site is fully rehabilitated so it can be safely returned to the Traditional Owners and incorporated into Kakadu National Park.

Quotes Attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

"To hear that a mine at Jabiluka will not go ahead, to witness this win for the Traditional Owners in my lifetime, it is very special.”

“Our Council celebrates with the Mirarr and commends them on their bravery and dedication in this long, long fight.”

“This historic moment underscores the importance of respecting and protecting Aboriginal lands and waters, and we hope that the two-way understanding and reverence will continue to grow in Australia.”

Traditional Owners say no to Jabiluka Mine; they must be heard

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:29:13 GMT

The Northern Land Council stands in solidarity with the Mirarr Traditional Owners in their resolute opposition to the development of a uranium mine on their sacred Country.

Recent media reports pushing for the development of the Jabiluka uranium prospect near Kakadu National Park are alarming and misleading. Traditional Owners, and the NLC, staunchly oppose uranium mining on Mirarr Country.

We call on both the Northern Territory and federal governments to hear the voices of the Traditional Owners and to put an end to the uncertainty. The Jabiluka mineral lease extension application sought by Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) must be rejected and the area given heritage protection.

Mirarr Traditional Owners assert that Jabiluka is sacred Country and that they will always say no to uranium mining. Recent history clearly shows us that the risks are too great, and that mining puts this area, encircled by National Park of universal significance, in grave jeopardy.

Despite ERA pursuing an extension to 2034, the Northern Territory government (NTG) has committed to a two-year temporary reservation order over the Jabiluka mineral lease. Coming into effect on August 11, this order limits what ERA can do with its current lease until its extension application is resolved. Yet it is imperative that the NTG and the Federal Minister for Resources be decisive, as speculation by minority interests is misguiding ERA’s shareholders and the Australian public.

The NLC together with the Mirarr refute claims recently publicised by NT News and Sky News, stating that because Jabiluka is an underground mine it would be less ecologically damaging than the disaster that is the adjacent open-cut Ranger Uranium Mine – operated by ERA until its closure in 2021.

Ranger continues to cause long-lasting damage to surrounding ecosystems and remains a painful reminder of the environmental risks posed by uranium mining. Further, we clarify that the rehabilitation of Ranger is in no way complete, with meager, under-funded efforts having been ultimately unsuccessful over the past three years.

Traditional Owners oppose mining Jabiluka and will continue to rally to protect their Country. In 1998 this battle captivated the nation, when over five thousand people assembled in Kakadu to join a blockade. The effort resulted in a commitment from Rio Tinto (currently a majority owner of ERA) that a Jabiluka mine would not proceed without Traditional Owner consent.

In 2024, there is still no consent. The promises need to be honoured and governments need to listen.

Quotes attributable to NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

"The NLC stands firmly behind the Mirarr Traditional Owners in their fight to protect Jabiluka. The cultural and environmental significance of this sacred Country cannot be overstated, and any mining is a direct threat to both."

"We call on the Territory and Federal governments to listen to the voices of the Traditional Owners and take immediate action to ensure the permanent protection of Jabiluka and Kakadu. The world is watching, and this land must be preserved for all future generations."

Senate Order Reporting Contracts FY23/24

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 05:09:54 GMT

Senate Order for Entity Contracts listing related to the period 1 July 2023 - 30 June 2024

The NLC mourns the passing of Mr. T Wurramarrba AO

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 01:02:56 GMT

It is with great sadness that the Northern Land Council (NLC) acknowledges the passing of Mr. T Wurramarrba AO, former Chairman of the Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC).

On behalf of the NLC's past and present Council Members and staff, we extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Wurramarrba’s family, the Anindilyakwa people, and the entire community.

Mr. Wurramarrba was a remarkable leader, a dedicated spokesperson, and a tireless advocate for his people. His commitment to the Anindilyakwa people saw him rise from roles such as an ALC Community Liaison and Assistant Manager in 1991 to becoming a Board member in 1992. He was elected Chair of the ALC in 2003, a role he held with distinction until his retirement last month.

Mr. Wurramarrba's leadership was characterised by his vision for the future, as seen in his advocacy for economic advancements, and his efforts to involve more women and young people in leadership. His legacy includes signing the Groote Archipelago Local Decision Making Agreement in 2018, which led to many significant advancements for the Anindilyakwa community.

Throughout his career, Mr. Wurramarrba served on many esteemed boards and committees, including the ALC Finance Committee, Anindilyakwa Royalties Aboriginal Corporation, Groote Holdings Aboriginal Corporation, Winchelsea Mining Pty Ltd, and as a trustee of the Anindilyakwa Mining Trust. He was also a director of the Aboriginal Sea Company, APONT, Miwatj Health, and MJD Foundation, and a member of the former ABA Advisory Committee.

In recognition of his service, Mr. Wurramarrba was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2013. His contributions to the community of the Groote Archipelago and beyond will have a lasting impact.

The NLC joins the ALC in mourning this great loss. Mr. Wurramarrba's leadership, dedication, and service have left an indelible mark, and he will be remembered with great respect and admiration.

Quotes from NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

"Mr. Wurramarrba's commitment to his people and all his hard work for their rights and future is an example for us all. His leadership and vision will be missed greatly."

"Through his dedication and many hard-fought wins, the late Chairman has left a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us all. Our Council is mourning, but at the same time we draw strength from celebrating his remarkable life."

The future of the NT fishing industry is in partnership with Traditional Owners

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 05:31:46 GMT

Commitments by Territory Labor and the CLP to phase out commercial gillnet fishing present a renewed opportunity. Government must strengthen engagement with Traditional Owners and industry stakeholders to chart the way for a thriving fisheries future.

The NLC has long been working to ensure the concerns of Traditional Owners regarding Aboriginal Waters are acknowledged by both fishers and the Northern Territory Government (NTG).

Yesterday, it was shared that commercial gillnet fishing for barramundi will be phased out across the Northern Territory from August, 2024. The voices of Traditional Owners were notably omitted from this announcement by Chief Minister Eva Lawler.

A reset in the approach to commercial inshore barramundi fishing must be based on a model centred around Traditional Owners. The NLC calls on the NTG to engage constructively with Traditional Owners, who are deeply committed to the sustainable management of fisheries for all Territorians.

Issues with the use of commercial gillnets have been raised on several occasions, most notably eight months ago when Traditional Owners from East Arnhem Land voiced these among broader concerns with the way the NTG manages fisheries. At the time, its approach was based on a wide-scale snapshot, which wasn’t reflective of the issues experienced in remote communities. The majority of Traditional Owner concerns – risks to vulnerable species, lack of data-informed quotas supporting healthy fish stocks, inadequate monitoring and compliance, as well as the need to respect the importance of operating with cultural license – require further attention.

Traditional Owners subsequently limited access to commercial fishers for some areas in 2023, in the hope that these protective measures could provide a catalyst to address concerns and for the NTG to include Aboriginal people in decision-making processes.

In 2008, the Blue Mud Bay decision legally recognised Traditional Owners’ ownership of the intertidal zone of Aboriginal Land, spanning 85% of the intertidal coastal waters of the NT. In response to agreed commitments from NTG within the Blue Mud Bay Implementation Action Plan 2020-2022, Traditional Owners have been seeking opportunities to provide meaningful input into fisheries management. However, since the Action Plan’s expiration, the NTG efforts have stalled, resulting in unproductive delays to resolving key issues.

While some groups have acknowledged concerns raised by Traditional Owners, and lobbied for changes that compliment their interests, the NLC and Traditional Owners weren’t consulted or advised about NTG’s latest, significant fisheries announcement. The NLC feels that the potential for Aboriginal economic development and shared benefits from improved access arrangements are not being properly considered.

Traditional Owners welcome sustainable arrangements. Consultations with the NLC regarding access, use and management arrangements for Aboriginal Waters are currently underway. There is a strong desire to evolve agreements so that they meet the requirements of Sea Country custodians and at the same time support the interests of fishing industries.

It is crucial that Traditional Owners are consulted on matters concerning Aboriginal Waters; the time for joint-management is now. The NLC encourages the NTG to work with landowners and industry stakeholders to shape a future of NT fisheries that benefits all.

Quotes attributable to an NLC Chair Matthew Ryan:

Our people have been sustainably managing Sea Country for tens of thousands of years. We are attuned to and dependent on these environments. We know they need to be cared for in the right way.
Much of the fishing in the NT takes place in what is legally recognised as Aboriginal Waters.
The NLC wants to see a strong commitment from the NTG and industries to work with us and Traditional Owners to protect Sea Country. This is about creating a sustainable fishing future where everyone can benefit.

Draft Mataranka Water Allocation Plan – a failure on all fronts

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 08:31:50 GMT

The Northern Land Council backs Traditional Owners of the Roper River catchment calling for a Northern Territory Government rewrite of the appalling Draft Mataranka Water Allocation Plan.

The recent release of the Draft Mataranka Water Allocation Plan by the Northern Territory Government is blatantly disrespectful to the Traditional Owners who have been fighting for decades to protect the Roper River.

The Government has missed the opportunity to develop an integrated and holistic water plan that equitably shares available water, while protecting cultural and environmental values of the Roper River system.

Instead, Territorians are being presented with a plan that ignores the views of community, and puts the health of the springs at Mataranka and the Roper River at serious risk.

The Draft Plan does not provide adequate information or any appropriate safeguards for the Northern Land Council (NLC) to have confidence that the rights and interests of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people in the region will be met. The level of water extraction the Government is proposing through the draft plan is excessive. The water licensing arrangements will not keep the springs, the river, nor its floodplains safe. The NLC has heard this message consistently from our constituents and cannot support the Plan in its current form.

As a signatory to the National Water Initiative (NWI), the Government is responsible for managing water sustainably. NT legislation requires cultural and environmental values to be protected when allocating water for extraction. The draft plan fails on both counts; it does not protect cultural sites, nor areas of cultural use. Development of the plan did not involve genuinely consulting with Traditional Owners, and the total volume of water earmarked for extraction has not been informed by best available science, socio-economic analysis, nor community input as is required by the NWI.

The Government has had every opportunity to effectively engage with Traditional Owners over the decade this plan has been in development. The Water Minister’s own Water Advisory Committee regularly raised concerns about the current rate of extraction and the already visible impact on Country. These concerns were repeatedly ignored and those who spoke up were criticised. Failure to meaningfully engage with Traditional Owners led to the three Aboriginal members of the Minister’s Committee resigning prior to drafting of the plan.

The significance of the Roper River, its springs, and its floodplains are well-known. Last year Traditional Owner representatives travelled to Canberra and presented a 13-metre hand-painted map to Parliament. The associated statement which was signed by hundreds of community residents called for the Roper River system to be protected from threats - “All our Songlines follow the water. We are all connected. If you take our water, you kill our culture. If you kill our culture, you kill our people,” reads the Statement.

The biggest threat currently posed to the Roper River system is the NT Government itself, and its archaic management and regulation of the most precious of resources – our water.

The NLC calls on Minister Kate Worden as Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water Security, and Minister Selena Uibo as the local member for Arnhem to take our concerns seriously, and to listen to the voices of the community – the Water Plan must be rewritten.

Quotes attributable to Matthew Ryan, Chair of the NLC

Our waters are sacred, our Songlines follow the water, they are crucial to our people’s way of life. This Plan jeopardises our Country and the future generations who will care for it.
The Ngalakgan, Alawa, Mangarrayi, Ngandi, Marra, Warndarrang, Nunggubuyu, Ritharrngu-Wagilak and Rembarrnga of the Roper are unified, they have been clear. They want a ban on all further water extraction, protection of environmental and Indigenous cultural values, and joint decision-making, including with the downstream communities.
This Plan is yet another example of the NTG not properly consulting with Traditional Owners and affected Aboriginal people. Countless submissions, the cultural map, Statement – what will it take for them to listen?
It’s 2024, we all know about the need to conserve water resources. Water is life for everyone.
The Government can’t have such short-term thinking and unsustainable planning around water. They are not going to walk over our people on this; there must be meaningful consultation.

Submission on Draft Mataranka Water Allocation Plan

Fri, 14 Jun 2024 04:12:03 GMT

The NLC made a submission to the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security (DEPWS), NTG about the the draft Mataranka Water Allocation Plan (WAP).

The current draft Plan does not provide enough information and safeguards for the NLC to have confidence that the rights and interests of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people in the region will be met, or that the proposed total allowable extraction and licensing arrangements will keep the Mataranka region and downstream along the Roper River catchment safe.

The Draft Mataranka Water plan relies largely on modelling rather than work undertaken on Country. The Plan does not have meaningful recognition of Traditional Owners and their relationship with water, it also prioritises a Western concept of water management and the economic development of non-Aboriginal water holders above all else. It only allows the involvement of Traditional Owners at a time in the future where permanent damage will have already occurred. This must not be allowed to happen; the Plan must be rewritten.

The NLC welcomes the new Chair of Anindilyakwa Land Council

Thu, 30 May 2024 07:27:07 GMT

The Northern Land Council (NLC) extends its congratulations to Ms. Cherelle Wurrawilya on her election as Chair of the Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC).

The election of Cherelle is thoroughly deserved and particularly historic, as she is the first woman elected as Chair of the ALC, and to any Northern Territory Aboriginal Land Council since the inception of the Land Rights Act 50 years ago.

Succeeding the esteemed Mr. T Wurramarrba AO, Ms. Wurrawilya has been a dedicated member of the ALC Board since 2019, holding various leadership positions within the organisation.

Her extensive experience – notably in governance, finance and housing – and commitment to her community position her as a strong advocate for the Anindilyakwa people.

Both Ms. Wurrawilya and Mr. Wurramarrba exemplify strong leadership, standing up for their communities and working tirelessly to create a sustainable future for generations to come.

The NLC looks forward to collaborating with Ms. Wurrawilya to ensure the aspirations of Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners are met.

Quotes attributable to the NLC Chair, Matthew Ryan:

"Big congratulations to Ms. Cherelle Wurrawilya on her new role as leader of the ALC.”

“As the first woman to hold this position, she has made her Countrymen proud. Her achievement is a testament to her dedication, and I have no doubt this will inspire more Aboriginal women to take on leadership roles.”

"I am looking forward to collaborating with Ms. Wurrawilya to champion the rights and interests of our people across the Territory so that they can all enjoy bright futures."

NLC and CLC joint submission on NTG Minerals Industry Plan Pathway to 2030

Thu, 30 May 2024 07:00:53 GMT

The Central and Northern Land Councils welcome the opportunity to comment on the Northern Territory Minerals Industry Plan – Pathway to 2030 Consultation Draft prepared by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.

The Land Councils are the primary advocate for the interests of Aboriginal peoples in the Territory. Much of the land that the Northern Territory government (NTG) wishes to open for mineral development is customarily and legally under the control of Aboriginal landowners and cannot be developed without their consent. As such, the NTG and the minerals sector must demonstrate a credible commitment to inclusive economic development, environmental and heritage protection, and respect for self-determination.

The NLC backs Larrakia on independent inquiry into Binybara (Lee Point)

Thu, 30 May 2024 06:10:47 GMT

The Northern Land Council (NLC) denounces Federal Environment Minister’s decision to not protect Binybara (Lee Point), and supports Larrakia Traditional Owners’ call for an independent inquiry into unlawful land clearing.

The NLC is disappointed by Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s refusal to use her power to stop the Defence Housing Australia (DHA) development at Binybara. The Minister has not recognised the region as being a culturally significant area for Larrakia people.

In the last few weeks, the NLC has been alarmed to hear that there have been allegations of unlawful land clearing at Lee Point by DHA.

The NLC commends the decision by DHA to halt any future land clearing while it undertakes an investigation. However, any investigation must be thorough and transparent, and therefore the NLC supports the call for an independent inquiry into Binybara. This process would provide the level of scrutiny and accountability that is required for this culturally rich part of Darwin.

In November 2023 and February 2024, the NLC provided submissions in support of Kevin ‘Tibby’ Quall’s application to protect a specified area of Binybara under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth).

In March, the Environment Minister made her decision to not make a declaration under the Act, meaning Mr Quall’s application, did not succeed and Defence Housing Australia’s housing development could proceed.

Despite outcry from Larrakia peoples and widespread protest by the wider community, initial land clearing works occurred from April 30 to May 10, 2024.

Quotes attributable to Matthew Ryan, Chair of the NLC:

The decision that Minister Plibersek made over Binybara is upsetting. The Larrakia deserve better in 2024. Our politicians need to listen to their voice.
DHA’s stopping works to allow for their own investigation does not go far enough. Our Council believes there needs to be a good look into the land clearing, and this needs to be one that everyone can trust.
The governments need to learn from the mistakes. It’s clear that better consultation with Traditional Owners needs to happen before, not after, the damage is done.

NLC and CLC joint submission to DCCEEW - Future national water agreement

Mon, 20 May 2024 02:36:08 GMT

The NLC and CLC provided a submission to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water on National Water Reform 2024.

The National Water Initiative is the shared government blueprint that underpins management of Australia’s water resources, created 2004 and agreed by the Australian Government and all states and territories. The Australian Government has committed to a new national water agreement in the current term of government.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has been working through the National Water Reform Committee, its subcommittees and the Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Water Interests, on the early stages of developing a new agreement, with the aim of an agreement being signed by the end of 2024.

Jawoyn Traditional Owners’ High Court win affirms protection of sacred sites in the NT

Wed, 08 May 2024 04:03:46 GMT

Today’s successful High Court appeal settles that the Director of National Parks cannot rely on so-called ‘Crown immunity’ to avoid criminal penalties for damaging sacred sites in the Northern Territory.

In December 2023, Jawoyn Traditional Owners of Gunlom Falls in Kakadu National Park travelled to Australia’s highest court in Canberra, seeking justice for work carried out on a sacred site in 2019.

Today’s unanimous verdict overturns a Supreme Court of the Northern Territory ruling that found that the Director of National Parks, could not be held criminally responsible for offences under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989.

The High Court appeal was brought by Jawoyn Traditional Owners including Bernadette Calma, Bessie Coleman, Joseph Fergusson, Martin Fergusson, Balang Joshua Hunter, Rachael Wilika Kendino, Michael Page and Joseph Markham, and the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority. The NLC intervened in the proceedings.

Rachael Wilika welcomed the ruling at a press conference in Darwin earlier today. “This decision makes me feel yillk-makgu – good and strong in spirit,” she said. “It’s been passed down from them old people, strong spirit and to fight whatever comes, and to keep culture strong.”

“This is good news. Gunlom is a special place for all of us and we thank the High Court for their decision,” added Balang Joshua Hunter. “It is important that Gunlom is preserved for future generations to uphold law, culture and protocols.”

The NLC celebrates this positive outcome for Traditional Owners in the Northern Territory, and acknowledges that protecting sacred sites, history and culture are of vital importance to all Australians.

Building on this progress, the Council urges the Commonwealth Government to learn from this outcome and take steps to adopt greater protections for sacred sites in all states and territories.

Quotes attributable to Matthew Ryan, Chair of the NLC

This ruling just shows that the Director of National Parks, nor any other similar entity, cannot weasel out of their obligations by using out-of-date, out-of-touch legal loop holes like Crown immunity.
It’s encouraging to see these Traditional Owners get justice.
We stand in solidarity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country, and hope this can pave the way for greater protection of sacred sites everywhere.

Rangers’ joint compliance patrol leads to successful prosecutions

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 03:47:48 GMT

Four people fishing without Northern Land Council (NLC) permits have received fines, after being caught in a joint exercise by Bulgul and Kakadu Rangers.

The recreational fishers were charged after rangers intercepted four separate boats that were in the Little Finniss River and past the Finniss River closure line. The individuals did not have permits to enter and undertake recreational fishing in the waters.

On 28 November 2023 and 23 January 2024, these matters were heard at the Darwin Local Court, where all four individuals pleaded guilty to entering or remaining on Aboriginal land without a permit. This is an offence under the Aboriginal Land Act 1978 (NT) and carries financial penalties.

These are the first prosecutions in Aboriginal waters since the introduction of the recreational fishing permit system in January 2023. This outcome provides a strong precedent and gives Traditional Owners (TOs) confidence there will be consequences for people who enter Aboriginal waters without obtaining permission.

Bulgul Rangers undertook the joint patrol that led to the prosecutions alongside rangers from Kakadu National Park in an effort to increase compliance in the Finniss coastal and Peron Islands region. Kakadu’s rangers participated in the operation to share the compliance expertise of each group.

Rangers are a regular presence on the water and will continue their marine patrols. The establishment of the new compliance team within NT Fisheries will also provide an increased level of support to Aboriginal ranger groups along the Northern Territory coastline.

Aboriginal people have deep connections to their waters, including the aquatic species that inhabit them. TOs for the Finniss coastal and Peron Islands region limited access to their area in 2021, in the hope that the Northern Territory Government (NTG) would work with them to improve access, use, and resource management of these waters.

TOs and rangers encourage fishers to abide by the current access arrangements.

Permit-free fishing continues to apply to key fishing areas around Darwin and Bynoe Harbours as well as the Daly River, Nhulunbuy, Port Keats and McArthur River regions, based on existing agreements between TOs, the NLC, and the NTG. Outside of these areas, an NLC permit is required to fish recreationally in Aboriginal waters.

Further information about fishing Aboriginal waters and permit requirements can be found at www.nlc.org.au

Quotes attributable to Matthew Ryan, Chair of the NLC

It was great to see the Bulgul Rangers work together with Kakadu National Park rangers, and for the combined effort to have led to four landmark prosecutions.
These court rulings are a clear reminder that permission, in the form of permits, must be obtained to fish Aboriginal waters.
This process is simple – check if a permit is required. If it is, apply for one, and then enjoy your fishing!
The NLC will continue to respond to reports of illegal fishing and those caught will have to face the courts.

Borroloola residents recount horror, as community becomes latest to suffer inadequate emergency response

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 03:44:41 GMT

The NLC met with Borroloola flood evacuees in Darwin on the weekend and joins with them in urging Federal and Northern Territory governments to address poor emergency communications, evacuation processes, and future preparedness.

Severe flooding in the Aboriginal community of Borroloola, 970-kilometres south-west of Darwin, has again revealed the inadequacy of emergency response measures.

On Saturday, the NLC Chair Matthew Ryan met with evacuated Borroloola residents who are receiving emergency accommodation at the Darwin showgrounds. The community members shared their distress about how the situation unfolded and provided insights into how the response can, and must, be improved ahead of any future emergencies. Their outlook, aligned with climate science , is that these weather events will not just be “once-in-100-year” occurrences.

On the Friday, March 15, the NLC was already fielding alarmed calls from Borroloola residents, who were being severely impacted by pre-cyclone flooding. People were having difficulties reaching emergency services, including being redirected to interstate call centres, which were unaware of Borroloola’s location. Mr Ryan immediately reached out to government officials to highlight the communication challenges and urge that they initiate an adequate response.

When Tropical Cyclone Megan tore through the region on Monday afternoon, the town’s 700 residents were forced to bunker down because evacuation flights had been unable to land. The Northern Territory Chief Minister’s directive was to instead find room inside the local police station, health centre, and some homes that were cyclone graded.

Several residents to whom the NLC spoke are critical that evacuations should have taken place much earlier, and that the instructions they received were unclear, leading many to leave their homes, be exposed to the dangerous weather, and in cases even become stranded in unsuitable shelters.

The heavy rains that followed the category-3 cyclone saw the McArthur River predicted to reach 18 metres on Thursday evening, surpassing the previous record set in 2001 by three metres. The Australian Defence Force responded by airlifting 380 residents to Darwin on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Bureau of Meteorology subsequently announced that while there were no recent river level observations available at Borroloola, flood waters are likely to recede over the coming days. Yet the Borroloola residents remain split between Darwin and their home, where they had been already working to repair damage caused by Cyclone Lincoln last month.

POOR COMMUNICATION

The chief concern among Borroloola residents has been a severe lack of communication, from the early moments when the emergency was first forecasted, through to its critical stages.

At the NLC’s Full Council meeting on March 12, the first concern put to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was by members from the Borroloola/Barkly region. They stressed that telecommunications blackholes and outages have long rendered their community highly vulnerable.

At that meeting, inadequate emergency response was specifically identified as a key issue across all seven of the NLC regions. Victoria River District Council Members shared harrowing photographs from severe flooding they had encountered and highlighted the grossly inadequate response in Nitjpurru (Pidgeon Hole), which has been evacuated twice this Wet Season.

In Borroloola, residents had relied on the limited NT Police personnel on the ground to provide face-to-face directions, because electricity was down, and unreliable telecommunications reception meant people could not consistently receive messages nor online alerts.

There was also a reported a lack of clarity and contradictions when messages did get through. Several official emergency notices posted to Facebook diverted people seeking information to as many as eight different numbers or websites. Future updates that were promised to be posted at specific times did not eventuate, adding to the confusion and further diminishing trust.

EVACUATION HORROR

Borroloola residents were told they would be evacuated on an elderly-and-vulnerable-first basis, however people to whom the NLC spoke stressed that this didn’t appear to happen. They also raised concerns of families being split, including dependent individuals being separated from their care providers or those that could carry essentials such as warm blankets.

Residents shared being herded without clarity and left waiting in the pouring rain and cold, with one man having a seizure. When attempting to board the Australian Defence Force aircraft to get out of the wild weather, they recalled being unnecessarily stopped and asked to produce personal identification.

There were further concerns raised about the disrespectful attitudes of responders. What was relayed was a time of high vulnerability and personal anguish. Residents were only able to bring one bag, and had to leave behind family members and pets, with some even being unsure of their whereabouts or safety.

Those that could not be evacuated found refuge in damaged buildings, without electricity nor food supplies, as wind and rain streamed in.

WAY FORWARD

Residents at the Darwin showgrounds emergency accommodation are unsure of what will come next. Some people have left to stay with family or sought to purchase accommodation. There are levels of discomfort with the overcrowding, open-plan nature of the facility, and refusals to permit relatives to visit to provide support.

Despite this, countless community members praised the staff for the care they have shown. Across community there is also a strong desire to come together and find a better way forward, to prevent so much distress from occurring again.

The NLC will be supporting Borroloola residents to host a full community meeting when they are able to return. The Council backs calls for government and emergency services representatives to attend and to plan collaborations on infrastructure and telecommunications repair efforts, as well as future emergency response processes and the construction of appropriate facilities, including a cyclone shelter.

Meanwhile, Nitjpurru (Pidgeon Hole) residents are today preparing for a third flood since January, including using local machinery to create a makeshift shelter as current facilities cannot accommodate all members of the community. The residents and the NLC urge the governments to be proactive and provide assistance immediately.

The NLC acknowledges that its Council members are trusted leaders in communities who can further support NT Police in updating people throughout emergency situations, but only if they are better utilised and kept informed. The Council also has locally based staff and assets, such as vehicles and boats. These could be mobilised in times of emergency if proactive planning and agreements can be reached, for which the NLC has been lobbying the government since February 2023.

Quotes attributable to Mr Matthew Ryan, Chair of the NLC:

We acknowledge that the staff of the Roper Gulf Regional Council did their best to support the community, but the Federal and NT governments’ emergency response support has been appalling. Nitjpurru, Kalkarindji, now Borroloola… lessons are not being learned and as a result our communities continue to suffer.
The governments must work together with the communities and the Land Councils to address the key issues. The big one is communication in times of emergency. Evacuee accommodation also needs to be more culturally appropriate, and better processes as well as proper cyclone shelters must be prepared for the future. We cannot wait for the next emergency to happen and have the same problems over and over again.
Floods are becoming more frequent, but we must not lose sight of how horrific each and every one is for our people caught up in them.
Imagine being out there stranded, surrounded by rising water, not getting any clear direction, and seeing planes circle but then just leave? Or if you can be evacuated, your life is in just one bag, there’s uncertainty of where you’ll stay, if you can see your family, and if anything will be left when you are able to return home?

Quotes attributable to Borroloola residents evacuated to the Darwin Showgrounds:

Mr Elton Daniels, Borroloola resident

When they got us to move up to the Roper Gulf to evacuate us, they gave us tags and made us sign our name and address in the rain. And then they cancelled the plane. They should have done it all a day or two earlier when we didn’t have so much rain. They were mucking us around.
Even my father-in-law he took a fit sitting there waiting in the rain and wind.

Mrs Diane Norman, Borroloola resident

We came at 7am o’clock [on Monday] like they said. In the wind and rain, we old people had to stand there while we were waiting for the plane. But it didn’t land. It was very difficult.
We were hungry, we only had only apples. Waiting there [on Monday] until 4pm. They didn’t come until Wednesday.
My brother Vincent Charlie had a fit waiting for the bus through that rain and wind. Having all those old people stand like that, it was very sad.
You had to bring one bag, no blanket. And when we get up to the plane they said we gotta get the ID, but we are standing there in the rain. People were opening their bags to look around for the ID, and then they were searching bags. All getting wet.
We don’t know how long we are here [in Darwin] for, they don’t tell us. We will wait for the water. Some of the people saw that they lost their houses. Completely gone.

Mr Benjamin McDinny, Borroloola resident

People were in that [shire council] shed with all the wind. The planes couldn’t land [on Monday], they circle around several times, but couldn’t. People were just there waiting, waiting, old people too, in the pouring rain.
There are more people still back at Borroloola now, we don’t know what it’s like there. I heard some people stayed inside the school, they are probably still there. It has been four or five days with no telecommunications working.
I would like to see some tower, and better communications. We need to be able to have regular contact if something like that happens again so we can reach our families. My eldest daughter she is there, and I have tried to get in contact with her but I just can’t.
It needs to be done better, to get more organised. We need the communications up for the next one. We had a big cyclone in 1984, same problems again. The whole community will get together and raise different ideas to these issues.

Mrs Iris Hogan, Borroloola resident

They came and said to me 7am at the airport, it was in the wet and cold. I had a kid on either side of me trying to sleep all wet and shaking. We were there all day until then they told us to go home, not to go shelter here or there. When I went back to my house it was damaged.
Next day I had to take myself down to the edge of the water. I asked the police why were all these young people were going across in the boat, not the sick and older ones that should go first. They said the community should have gone and got me. But the police could have used their siren again to tell us there was a boat down there. Then they said to wait for the SES, or you can jump on the bus, but the kids have to stay. I said who is going to look after me? I’m not going on the bus, I’m staying with my kids – we are going to die together then!
For three nights I was sleeping with no power…there was eight of us sleeping in that room, hungry because no shops open.
My granddaughter and this other girl, they were carrying me on [to the plane] and I was shaking, my bones, it was just terrible. I cried in the plane.
The Borroloola police were so rude and racist. They were shouting, barking, at me to get on a bus. I’m an old lady, you don’t shout at me. When the army mob pulled up, they helped us and asked if we were alright. It is also better here [at the emergency accommodation in Darwin], all these people of different cultures. They are kind.

Mr Simyon Pluto – Borroloola resident

[On Monday] before they drove everyone up to the airport from the council offices there, everyone had to get a tag so that they know you’re from Borroloola, there were only four people trying to do that, how are they going to manage to get through 700 people?
They drove the old people from the council shed to the airport and they sat there in the bus for around eight hours. They were hungry, asking for food. There was no support from the local town shops or the council for food supplies, just apples. When the police came around the night before they told us just one bag and no food, you’ll go straight to the airport and onto the plane; that didn’t happen.
I blasted the police and ADF mob, there should have been local police working with us straight away. They knew what was going to happen, I said to all the families, we all got to stand up and help each other, we are from this community.
Then on Tuesday, we had the sun out all day; they should have had the evacuation that morning. The word came around that they would try to evacuate tomorrow [Wednesday], and we said, what? There will be another big rain coming down.
Wednesday, old people were waiting at the airport gate, rain pouring down, no shelter there. You think they would have had portable tents, but nothing. Old people had a rag over there head standing up.
Last time we had an emergency like this the old [police] sergeant was good, she organised people to get their cars, fuel, permits if they weren’t registered, and to drive to Katherine early, where they’d be safe. Community had a good relationship with those coppers. Now they stopped being community[-minded] police.
By the time I got here [to Darwin] and I got in contact with my son [back in Borroloola], he said we’ve been using the boat to get people across, we are here for our people. There were some arguments with the white people about whether they could be using that boat. My son said look this is our community, I am going to help them.

Mr Dickie Dixon – Robinson River resident

What happens to us? We get our food through the road there.
The impacts from this, and how the governments respond effect many, many people in the region.
Canberra don’t know community, they aren’t there. We are trying our best, with many of our people having skills to help, like the Rangers. We stand up for ourselves, but why aren’t they [the police and SES] helping before it gets so bad?
There was financial support, these temporary cards for the people who were evacuated to Darwin, but what is the support for the people that couldn’t be evacuated? It needs to be fair.

Community Planning and Development Monitoring and Evaluation Report 2022-23

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 04:42:00 GMT

In seven years, the Northern Land Council has enabled Traditional Owners through the CP&D program across the Top End to invest $12.5 million towards community projects.

Submission to the Productivity Commission on National Water Reform 2024

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 05:08:58 GMT

The Northern Land Council provided a submission to the Productivity Commission on National Water Reform 2024.

The submission reiterated 23 recommendations made in the NLC’s 2020 submission to the Commission and also highlighted significant components of the 2004 Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Water Initiative that had either not yet been implemented or were not currently being adhered to in the Northern Territory. The submission concluded with recommendations to underpin and update the National Water Initiative given the substantial rights and interests of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory.

NLC appoints Interim CEO

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 03:17:12 GMT

The Northern Land Council has appointed Mrs Jessie Schaecken to the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs Jessie Schaecken as its Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Mrs Schaecken brings a diverse wealth of experience in local government and governance to the role, along with a strong commitment to the NLC’s values of respect, consultation, responsiveness, and social justice.

The former acting CEO of West Arnhem Regional Council expressed her enthusiasm for joining the NLC and dedication to advancing its mission. A mother of four, residing in Noonamah, Mrs Schaecken has also worked at the City of Palmerston, Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation, and held leadership positions in the superannuation sector.

As the NLC embarks on this new chapter, Mrs Schaecken will support the strategic direction of the organisation and oversee its operations to ensure goals are met for the betterment of Aboriginal people across the Top End.

She looks forward to collaborating with constituents of the NLC’s seven regions, staff and other stakeholders, to foster growth and empower Aboriginal people to acquire and manage their lands at this important time in history. Her priority is to ensure social, economic and cultural benefits flow to Aboriginal people.

Mrs Schaecken succeeds Mr Joe Martin-Jard, and expressed her gratitude for his service during his two-and-a-half-year tenure.

A recruitment process for a new permanent NLC CEO will be announced in the near future.

Quotes attributable to Matthew Ryan, Chair of the NLC

The NLC's Executive Council has appointed Mrs Schaecken as the NLC’s interim CEO.
With her proven track record of leading local organisations, Mrs Schaecken is well-positioned to support the NLC into this next chapter.
It has been a busy week of meetings between our Full Council, Executive Council and guests, with key issues raised and priorities laid out. We are hitting the ground running, and with the support of Mrs Schaecken, our Council is getting to work for the betterment of our people across the Top End.

Quotes attributable to Jessie Schaecken, Interim CEO of the NLC

I am honoured to accept this appointment and embrace the opportunity to serve the Council with dedication and integrity.
I am committed to working collaboratively with our Council, constituents, staff, and other stakeholders, as we move forward and as the NLC continues to advocate for Aboriginal people across the NLC’s seven regions.

NLC meets with Prime Minister to raise crucial issues

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 03:33:06 GMT

The Full Council of the Northern Land Council (NLC) hosted Federal politicians in Katherine, Northern Territory, yesterday.

The NLC Chair Matthew Ryan welcomed the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy, and Lingiari MP Marion Scrymgour to meet with the Northern Land Council’s 83 members.

The Chair thanked the guests for coming to the Full Council with a genuine will to listen to the insights of its members – who have an unparalleled understanding of the issues affecting their Country and communities.

The NLC were strong in their message that government services in Aboriginal communities must be developed in partnership with Aboriginal people.

Representatives from all seven NLC regions had the opportunity to raise their key areas of concern. The overarching commonality was that poor services are significantly impairing the lives of people living in remote areas. Acute challenges including failing road infrastructure, the absence of healthcare, poor service quality, and inadequate emergency response were highlighted as requiring the government’s immediate attention.

The Prime Minister informed the NLC of the $4 billion-dollar investment in remote housing that aims to halve overcrowding rates in the NT, which are the worst in Australia.

While the NLC welcomed this announcement, they reminded the politicians that there was important work be done to ensure more Aboriginal businesses are contracted for housing construction and that local Aboriginal people are trained and employed through the delivery of this program. There were strong calls for any new builds to be of culturally appropriate design and lasting quality, as well as for Aboriginal-led organisations to be supported to manage housing maintenance and repairs into the future.

The NLC emphasised the interconnected nature of housing, employment and education. The Prime Minister and the Council agreed that housing is particularly foundational in allowing communities to be healthy and supporting children to go to school.

Mr Albanese assured the NLC he will be sharing the insights gained from the gathering with National Cabinet members and the Northern Territory (NT) government in meetings this week.

Chair Matthew Ryan thanked the politicians for hearing the views of the NLC, and emphasised that he and his fellow members will be following up on the urgent matters raised to ensure there is real progress.

Jawoyn Elder and Council member Lisa Mumbin OAM welcomed the official party to Katherine for the meeting.

Quotes attributable to Mr Matthew Ryan, Chair of the NLC

The announcements on new housing are positive. We now expect governments to work with Aboriginal people from remote areas to deliver results.
Remote communities across the NT experience many of the same issues: desperately requiring upgrades to roads and telecommunications, as well as improvements to public services, especially emergency response capability. These are very serious problems and need to be urgently addressed.
Our people are ready to work with governments to fix these issues.

NLC elects new Chair

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 03:26:21 GMT

The Full Council of the Northern Land Council elected Matthew Ryan as its new Chair in Katherine today.

Elected by the Council of 83 members, Matthew Ryan garnered the support of his fellow councillors from across the NLC’s seven regions. Mr Ryan will lead the NLC as Chair until December 2025, when Aboriginal communities from across the Top End will once again appoint representatives to the Council.

Of Barabarra, Wurrpann, and Gurindiji descent, Mr Ryan resides in Maningrida. He was first elected to the NLC in 2004 and has been serving his second non-consecutive term as NLC Executive Council member (for the West Arnhem region) since 2022.

In his acceptance address, Mr Ryan first paid tribute to the late Chair, Dr Bush-Blanasi, who led the NLC for four terms before his passing in November 2023, and vowed to carry on his legacy. Mr Ryan also highlighted the need for the organisation to continue to deliver results for constituents and emphasised an inclusive open-door approach for all members across the NLC’s regions.

Through the Council and his various community leadership roles Mr Ryan has called for improvements to education, telecommunications, and health services. A staunch advocate for constitutional recognition, he has also consistently campaigned for greater electoral participation.

Mr Ryan previously worked as an Aboriginal Community Police Officer in the Northern Territory Police Force and as a Djelk Community Ranger with Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation (BAC). He was elected to the board of BAC before serving as Chairperson for two terms. He is a long-serving councillor for the West Arnhem Regional Council and is currently serving his second term as Council Mayor. He also holds positions on the boards of the BAC, Homelands School Company, and Aboriginal Housing NT.

The 126th meeting of the NLC’s Full Council took place in the Aboriginal Investment Group’s new Dr Bush-Blanasi Building in Katherine. It was presided over by Katherine Regional Councillor Lisa Mumbin OAM and electoral voting was overseen by the Northern Territory Electoral Commission.

Quotes attributable to Mr Matthew Ryan, Chair of the NLC:

I have been at the NLC working alongside my brother (Dr Bush-Blanasi), I acknowledge him, and I am committed to carrying on his legacy.
I would like to thank all the other candidates, and also the members for their confidence in voting me into the Chair position.
I am a man of words, of conversations. I won’t be sitting down, but moving around the regions and my door will be open to all.
The public recognises the strength of the NLC, other organisations recognise the value of the NLC. I look forward to providing the leadership to keep the organisation strong and delivering for Aboriginal people across the NLC footprint.

High Court upholds Native Title rights

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 05:08:42 GMT

The High Court of Australia yesterday delivered a landmark ruling in favour of Yanyuwa and Yanyuwa-Mara native title holders.

The case, Harvey & Ors v Minister for Primary Industry and Resources & Ors, considered the Northern Territory Government’s (NTG’s) proposal to grant a new mineral lease adjacent to the Bing Bong Port on the McArthur River Pastoral Lease.

The result of this successful appeal is that the NTG must follow the processes outlined in the Native Title Act before it can proceed to grant a new mineral lease to Mount Isa Mines (MIM). Section 24MD(6B) of the Act requires notification of and consultation with native title holders, and the opportunity for native title holders to object to the proposed grant and to have that objection heard by an independent body (in the Northern Territory: The Civil and Administrative Tribunal).

The case was brought by the Northern Land Council (NLC) on behalf of the native title holders. Appellants David Harvey and Thomas Simon welcomed the judgment, and paid tribute to the original applicant, Mr Friday, who sadly passed away before he could see the positive outcome of this decade-long fight for justice.

This successful appeal is a significant turn-around, with all five High Court Judges siding with the native title party. It sets an important precedent that can now be applied by native title holders throughout Australia.

Quotes attributable to Joe Martin-Jard, CEO of the NLC

This decision is the result of over 10 years of struggle by Yanyuwa and Yanyuwa-Mara native title holders to have their basic rights under the Native Title Act respected and followed by the NTG and Mount Isa Mines.

The NLC congratulates David Harvey, Thomas Simon and the other Yanyuwa native title holders who have pushed this case. The NLC also acknowledges the powerful legacy of Mr Friday, who started these proceedings.

These Traditional Owners never gave up. Even when they were unsuccessful in front of four Federal Court judges, they kept fighting, and today five judges of the High Court have accepted their case.

The NLC hopes that this decision will prompt the mining company to reconsider its approach to applying for new tenure. We want to see the company engage proactively and in good faith with the native title holders, through their PBC and their legal representatives, to obtain the free prior and informed consent before further disturbing their native title.

Nitjpurru Community Leader Calls Out NT Chief Minister

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:06:50 GMT

Raymond Hector has voiced his dismay at the Northern Territory Chief Minister’s recent statements concerning flood-ravaged Nitjpurru (Pidgeon Hole).

The Northern Land Council (NLC) Executive Member for Victoria River District quashed Eva Lawler’s claims of community disagreement. Mr. Hector said there has long been consensus among the Nitjpurru community to relocate out of the floodplain and he stressed that Northern Territory Government (NTG) inaction was traumatising his people.

Speaking from Darwin – to where many residents have had to evacuate, twice in the past 12-months – Mr Hector highlighted that a lack of listening to residents was also leading to ineffective, and costly, responses that didn’t solve this now critical issue.

Community members urge the NTG to swiftly excise a miniscule portion of pastoral lease land – 0.45% of Victoria River Downs, for which Heytsebury Cattle Company has now voiced support. Residents of Nitjpurru are waiting for the Chief Minister to provide a concrete timeline on their relocation to this higher ground and to put an end to their huge physical and emotion strain.

Quotes attributable to Raymond Hector, Victoria River District’s Executive Council Member, Northern Land Council.

On ABC 730 this week the Chief Minister said “There'll be people who don't want to move…” that’s just false. Everyone in Nitjpurru wants to relocate our community out of the floodplain.

The Minister saying that we’re the reason for delays puts our people at risk. It creates confusion and mistrust because people think there is disagreement. But since the big flood in 2001, our community, the NLC and the pastoralists, have been coming together to talk about the best way forward.

We’ve had back-to-back floods now, clearly not a once-in-100-years thing. It’s an urgent situation that can no longer be ignored. Over the next few weeks, we need the Chief Minister to sit down with us, to hear our experience, and work with us to plan the move.

Across more than two decades there have been meetings with different government workers, but it’s clear from the Chief Ministers’ statements that the leadership is not really listening to us. The truth – that we’ve been asking for this relocation for years – is not getting through to the decision-makers.

In meetings in July 2021, our member Chancey Paech acknowledged our consistent calls to relocate. And in March 2023, with the NLC, we wrote to Paech, then Housing Minister, to again request our relocation out of the flood zone.

This situation is traumatising for our people. We need it to change, we must move ahead with a permanent solution. At Nitjpurru the worry doesn’t stop; we’re often encircled in water, people continually monitor rain fall - losing sleep terrified that it’s going to flood. It’s not safe. At any time, we could lose all of our possession to the waters.

Many local leaders are speaking out in support of the relocation: Brian Pedwell Victoria Daly Region Mayor, Rob Roy from Gurindji Aboriginal Corp, and I’ve also talked with Victoria River Downs station general manager Rusty Richter.

Our lives, and especially those of our young people, depend on having the NTG listen and work with our community to relocate.

Raymond Hector is a Billarna man from Nitjpurru (Pigeon Hole). He is currently serving his second non-consecutive term as a member of the Northern Land Council’s Executive Council. Mr Hector has previously held positions with the Katherine West Health Board and Territory Health Service and has also worked as a ringer throughout the VRD region. As a member of the NLC, Mr Hector is committed to highlighting the health and education needs of his community, as well as inspiring the younger generation.

Treaty Reboot Welcomed

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:02:56 GMT

The NLC welcomes the recommencement of the Northern Territory Treaty process.

The NLC is very pleased to see that a Treaty with Aboriginal people is back on the top of the Northern Territory Government (NTG) agenda.

Our Council and constituents across the Top End have been eager to see this process move forward since it first began six years ago.

The NTG’s announcement that it will revive the Treaty Working Group with the Land Councils and the community, as well as hold symposiums in Darwin and Alice Springs in April, are key steps on a concrete path to achieving Treaty.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council Chief Executive Officer, Joe Martin-Jard:

Treaty-making is a long and complex undertaking but it will provide benefit for all Territorians.
It is vital that something as crucial and abiding as a Territory Treaty is not rushed through nor hijacked for parties’ short-term politics.
The NLC will support comprehensive engagement with Aboriginal people as we learn more about the government’s plans.

NLC Annual Report 2022-23

Fri, 19 Jan 2024 04:39:57 GMT

On Friday 26 April 2024 a correction to the NLC Annual Report was tabled in the Parliament out of session. A correction was made to page 24.

Senate Order for Entity : 1 Jan 23 - 31 Dec 23

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 23:53:17 GMT

Senate Order for Entity Contracts listing related to the period 1 January 2023 - 31 December 2023.

NLC Submission: Inquiry into Community Safety, Support Services and Job Opportunities in the Northern Territory

Mon, 01 Jan 2024 03:53:40 GMT

Inquiry into community safety, support services and job opportunities in the Northern Territory.

Land Rights News: December 2023

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 06:47:52 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Read the latest Land Rights News - Northern Edition

Gunlom Falls Traditional Owners in High Court testcase

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 03:04:17 GMT

Traditional Owners of Gunlom Falls have today travelled to Canberra in the pursuit of justice.

In 2019 a sacred site at Gunlom Falls, within Kakadu National Park, was damaged by works undertaken by Parks Australia.

The sacred site was exposed to the public as the result of a new walking track being built. The construction of the walking track was discovered to differ to the designs that were approved by Traditional Owners during consultations.

This week, at the High Court of Australia, Traditional Owners and the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) are appealing this decision.

The NLC is serving as an intervenor in court proceedings, supporting its constituents: Traditional Owners Rosiena Browne, Bernadette Calma, Bessie Coleman, Joseph Fergusson, Martin Fergusson, Joshua Hunter, Rachael Wilika Kendino and Joseph Markham.

This appeal is significant because it will settle whether the Commonwealth can rely on so-called ‘Crown Immunity’ to avoid criminal penalties for damaging sacred sites in the Northern Territory.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council Chief Executive Officer, Joe Martin-Jard:

The NLC stands behind the Kakadu Traditional Owners in their long-running effort to hold the Director of National Parks to account.

This legal loophole, which has afforded immunity, must be closed. Not only to achieve a fair resolution in the case of Gunlom Falls, but to deter any future desecration of sacred sites by Commonwealth entities.

The NT’s Aboriginal sacred sites and cultural heritage are of highest importance - we need to prevent any further, irreparable damage.

The NLC welcomes the Nature Repair Market Bill and new ‘water trigger’ changes

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 02:30:31 GMT

The NLC welcomes the successful passing of the Nature Repair Market Bill through the Senate.

With around half of the Northern Territory’s land mass and 85 per cent of its coastline owned by Aboriginal peoples under freehold title, and most of the remainder subject to native title, Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory are positioned to be major providers of nature repair projects.

The CEO of the NLC Mr Joe Martin-Jard said, “This Bill will be a game changer for Aboriginal people across Northern Australia. There are limited economic opportunities across the remote communities and homelands in the Northern Territory and a nature repair market will give Traditional Owners in the NLC region new ways to activate the opportunities inherent in their Land Rights”.

The NLC region has many habitats facing major threats from feral animals, weeds, and saltwater intrusion in wetland ecosystems. Without proper management and investment, they face the risk of degradation and permanent loss.

The nature repair market will make it easier for Traditional Owners to attract the investments necessary to allow them to deliver high integrity projects to address these threats.

“This legislation will empower local communities to take on new economic opportunities while ensuring a long-lasting positive impact on our environment. Creating new environmental markets will give Traditional Owners in the Northern Territory more choice in the economic opportunities they can pursue,” said Martin-Jard.

The NLC will support Traditional Owners to lead the way in the new market, in partnership with business, philanthropists and other stakeholders that are willing to invest in the protection and restoration of country.

The NLC also welcomes the passing of the changes to the ‘water trigger’ of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), which ensures that new unconventional gas projects will be assessed for their impact on water resources.

The existing water trigger requires a person proposing a coal seam gas or large coal mining developments that have a significant impact on water resources to refer proposals to the Commonwealth Minister for the Environment and Water for assessment and approval under the EPBC Act. The new amendment extends this requirement for all new unconventional gas extraction.

Water is a vital resource for NLC constituents – for cultural, domestic and industry needs. Our membership recognises the importance of this resource and the need to have appropriate oversight and protection of its use. The water trigger strengthens these protections.

Community Projects News

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 04:22:51 GMT

Community Projects is providing Aboriginal groups across the NLC’s seven regions with tools to develop and manage their community focused projects.

Aboriginal groups have led the delivery of 51 projects, with an additional 25 under implementation and 19 undergoing feasibility studies.

Approved by Full Council in 2016, the program has grown from five to 23 groups, with hundreds of Traditional Owner groups hungry to learn skills in project and financial management. Projects focus on what’s important to community: building stronger culture, creating a proud community, growing enterprise and supporting young people.

A matched funding program was introduced in May 2023, widening the scope for community opportunities.

Groups with little to no land use income, who want to do good things for their community can now apply for funding to undertake small projects.

It’s an exciting time for Aboriginal groups across the top end as they steer towards self-determination.

NLC Official Statement Passing of NLC Chairman

Mon, 13 Nov 2023 02:23:57 GMT

Today we mourn the loss of Dr Bush-Blanasi. His mother was a Yolngu woman from the Blue Mud Bay region and he was raised by a Mayili man from Wugularr community (Beswick).

Dr Bush-Blanasi will be forever remembered for leading the Northern Land Council and dedicating his life to serving Aboriginal communities in the Top End.

Representing the Katherine region, he served as Deputy Chair for three terms and led the NLC as Chair for four consecutive terms. Our organisation is stronger for his leadership and will benefit from his legacy for years to come.

His leadership was bold and uncompromising. Never deferential; he spoke truth to power. His political nous was second to none; equally as influential when talking with countrymen or politicians. He engaged naturally to deliver tough messages to those who needed to hear them.

He lobbied tirelessly on behalf of Aboriginal people, without seeking personal recognition. The passion he held for Aboriginal empowerment never wavered.

Dr Bush-Blanasi was a staunch advocate for Aboriginal women, always making sure they contributed to discussions and their voices were elevated in forums. He keenly advocated for family-centric policies which created safe and nurturing environments.

He was a passionate supporter of two way learning through the Learning on Country Program which allowed Aboriginal children living in remote communities a better opportunity to navigate the world while keeping strong in their culture.

His contribution to the fight for sea rights enhanced the recognition of traditional ownership of Aboriginal people across the NT coastline. This was a seminal marker in the rights of Aboriginal peoples.

Most of all Dr Bush-Blanasi was a family man. His children and grandchildren were never far from his thoughts. He loved to be surrounded by his extended family and often shared stories of their achievements and successes.

The Northern Land Council’s Members and Staff offer our condolences to the family of our Chair. A fearless leader, gone too soon.

_______________________________________________________

The professional achievements of Dr Bush-Blanasi span many years.

He was an elected ATSIC representative and a long-serving board member of the North Australian Indigenous Land & Sea Management Alliance, Imparja and Northern Building Consultants.

He was a founding member of the Association of Northern, Kimberley and Arnhem Aboriginal Artists, Aboriginal Sea Company, Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory, Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasting Association and the Northern Territory Aboriginal Investment Corporation.

In 2023, Dr Bush-Blanasi was awarded an honorary doctorate by Charles Darwin University and was the Northern Territory Australian of the Year.

October 2023 Incident Management and Ranger Support - Caring for Country Newsletter

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 23:57:54 GMT

October 2023 Incident Management and Ranger Support - Caring for Country Newsletter.

Land Councils joint statement about the Referendum outcome

Sat, 21 Oct 2023 02:21:31 GMT

Through the Uluru Statement, Aboriginal people asked to be recognised in the Nation’s founding document and for a formal process to be established to inform government decision making on policy that affects our people and our communities

Thank you to the supporters who stood with us during the campaign. The Prime Minister showed courage to take the proposal to the Australian people, through a referendum. Campaigners were steadfast in their support.

On referendum day the majority of Australians denied this simple request.

The mistakes of the past will be continued with the latest mandate. In effect it is an attempt to silence Aboriginal people which is likely to further disadvantage our communities. The request for a voice was simple. Listen to us before you make decisions about us.

“We are disappointed, but not surprised”, said Northern Land Council Chair Dr. Samuel Bush-Blanasi.

We recognise the result of the referendum cannot be separated from a deep-seated racism. It is fair to say that not everyone who voted “No” is racist but also fair to say that all racists voted “No”. The vitriol and hatred that were part of the campaign existed prior to, but were given licence through the process. The overarching theory we are incapable of managing our own affairs is dehumanising and degrading and most of all, deeply flawed.

It is clear remote residents across Northern Australia overwhelmingly supported the referendum proposal. Eager to break the shackles of poor government decision-making, a proposal for a new system to engage with government was the opportunity to break from the past.

Chair of the Tiwi Land Council Gibson Farmer Illortaminni said that “this outcome underscores the pressing need for us to find a way forward, one that ensures our voices are not only heard but respected when crucial decisions are being made by the government, decisions that directly impact our lives, lands, seas and culture.”

With an eye on the future, we remember in the Northern Territory, we make up 30% of the population. We control 48% of the land and 85% of the coastline. We remind the public and we remind politicians, prosperity in this jurisdiction relies on us. “We ask for and will continue to expect engagement and partnership”, said Tony Wurramarrba, Chair of the Anindilyakwa Land Council.

In response to the referendum outcome the Northern Land Council, Tiwi Land Council and the Anindilyakwa Land Council say:

We are the oldest continuous living culture on the planet, and we will continue to assert our traditional and legal rights and land title to strive for improvements in social and economic outcomes.

We will continue our journey toward self-determination.

We are strong and resolute.

The Northern Land Council, Tiwi Land Council and the Anindilyakwa Land Council will continue to champion the rights of our constituents, particularly those in remote areas – through political, legislative, policy processes & advocacy.

Every successful step toward recognition and equality has been hard won and we will continue to fight for the rights of our people and the right to be heard.

Northern Australia First Nations Alliance formed to represent First Nations interests in the North

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 02:18:00 GMT

The formation of the Northern Australia First Nations Alliance (the Alliance) was yesterday ratified at a meeting in Darwin, Northern Territory.

Established in response to the differing needs and experiences of First Nations peoples in the north of Australia compared to the country’s southern states, the Alliance is a peak body for the land councils and native title representative bodies of northern Australia.

The Alliance launched with a charter that outlines its vision, mission, and goals.

The Alliance’s objectives are to:

Establish a peak body for the land councils and native title representative bodies of northern Australia
Represent and advocate for the unique interests of First Nations in the north
Be the first point of contract for government and industry stakeholders in relation to regional or national policy initiatives related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land and sea management, land rights, native title, and heritage protection in northern Australia
By agreement, provide further institutional support for existing policy initiatives regarding First Nations land and sea interests in northern Australia
Provide a forum for ongoing communication and mutual support among Members and their constituents in relation to land rights, native title, land and sea management, and heritage protection in northern Australia
The Alliance’s launch is a significant development for the united representation of First Nations peoples in northern Australia. It will provide a unified voice for the region’s First Nations people and facilitate strong advocacy for the interests of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups.

“The Northern Australia First Nations Alliance is a new and exciting chapter in the history of our region. We are united by our shared commitment to representing and advocating for the unique interests of First Nations in the north. We are excited to work with government and industry to create a better future for all of our people,” said Mr Richie Ah Mat, Chairman of Cape York Land Council and spokesperson for the Alliance.

The Alliance’s founding members are the Cape York Land Council, Gur A Baradharaw Kod Sea and Land Council, Kimberley Land Council, Northern Land Council, North Queensland Land Council, and Northern Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance.

Commercial fishing activity in Buckingham Bay reeled in due to inaction from NT Government

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 01:56:11 GMT

In March 2023 the Northern Land Council (NLC) received a letter from the Member for Mulka, Yingiya Mark Guyula, relaying significant fisheries management concerns on behalf of families in the Buckingham Bay area of the East Arnhem region.

The member relayed that Yolngu families are worried about the amounts of fish that are being caught and wasted, and the vulnerable marine life that get caught in the gillnets.

From Wednesday 20 September 2023, Traditional Owners (TOs) of Buckingham Bay are limiting the amount of commercial barramundi activity in their intertidal waters and ending the waiver allowing commercial fisheries to operate without formal agreement.

This decision comes in response to inaction from the NT Government (NTG) in addressing TO concerns relating to gillnetting and sustainable fishing practices in the region.

Commercial barramundi fishing operators will no longer be able to fish the intertidal waters of Buckingham Bay. Agreements relating to barramundi fishing will not be processed until TOs are satisfied their concerns have been addressed by the NTG.

The change in access to the commercial barramundi fishery will not affect access for commercial fishing operators from other fisheries.

For years the NLC have been calling on the NTG to actively listen to TO concerns relating to fisheries management.

In 2022 the NTG amended the NT Fisheries Act 1988 to reflect the rights and interests that Aboriginal people hold in relation to the fishing industry. This action is now perceived to have been symbolic, with the Government giving limited opportunities for Aboriginal people to provide input into fisheries management and decision-making practices where it concerns their sea country.

Despite assurances from the NTG that fish stocks are sustainable at a broad level, TOs are deeply concerned about the impacts of gillnetting and a decline in barramundi fish stocks in localised remote locations.

There is currently no quota for the commercial barramundi fishery.

The indiscriminate nature of gillnetting means that all types of fish are caught in large numbers, as well as other marine life including turtles, dugongs and dolphins, with the unwanted ‘bycatch’ being disposed of at sea.

TOs have witnessed concerning amounts of bycatch washing up on their coastlines, attracting crocodile activity and creating safety concerns for communities.

“Our people have been sustainably managing the seas for tens of thousands of years. These resources need to be managed in the right way so we can all benefit”, said NLC Chairman Dr Samuel Bush Blanasi.

“Traditional Owners have been raising concerns for a long time, but the NT Government doesn’t want to listen. We want to work together, but the Government needs to demonstrate they are serious in engaging with, and listening to Aboriginal people”, said Dr Bush-Blanasi.

Dr Bush-Blanasi hopes the changed access arrangement in Buckingham Bay will act as a wake-up call to the NTG, and a catalyst to include Aboriginal people in fisheries management decisions that affect their land.

Since the 2008 Blue Mud Bay decision, TOs have been afforded legal rights to the intertidal zone of Aboriginal land. In the 15 years since, TOs have allowed access to their waters through a series of waivers, allowing commercial operators to access areas without formal agreements or regulated compensation for the landowners.

TOs of Buckingham Bay are not easily making the decision to restrict intertidal waters to commercial barramundi fishing, understanding that the fisheries management framework impedes the industry from addressing these concerns directly.

However, TOs cultural responsibility to manage Country takes precedence to ensure resource sustainability.

“We want our environment to be safe because we need the food. We hunt sustainably, we hunt according to the seasons” said Traditional Owner Guyulen/Helen Guyula.

“We don’t like current commercial practice - they throw the little ones or the ones they don’t want back. We’ve found heaps of turtle, dolphin, crocodile and small barramundi washed up on the beach. Why get them all and then throw them away?” said Guyulen/Helen Guyula.

“With the change of access arrangements in Buckingham Bay, TOs are exerting rights that have been compromised since the Blue Mud Bay Decision. Their decision is in line with Australian law and cultural responsibilities, and will give the Country time to heal from years of commercial impact”, said Dr Bush-Blanasi.

“It’s important that people understand this change in access isn’t permanent. We want the NT Government to come to the table and address the concerns of TOs. If TOs can see that their interests are being respected, they will be able to respect other interests in return”, said Dr Bush-Blanasi.

TOs have advised there are no concerns with other fishing sectors within the Buckingham Bay area.

Recreational fishing access in Buckingham Bay will continue. Permits will now be processed through a Traditional Owner delegate permit system rather than automatic issue. Access for the guided fishing industry remains the same.

King Stingray headlines concert to celebrate 50 years of the Northern Land Council

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 01:53:23 GMT

The Northern Land Council is set to launch celebrations marking 50 years since the inaugural meeting of its first Full Council.

The meeting of 26 representatives from across the Top End took place at the Anglican Christ Church, now the site of the Christ Church Cathedral, on the corner of Smith Street and the Esplanade in Darwin on 25-26 September 1973.

The meeting was in response to the release of an interim report by Justice Woodward who had been appointed by the newly elected Whitlam Labor government ‘to find an appropriate way to recognise the traditional rights and interests of Aboriginal people in and to the land’.

The NLC will commemorate the occasion with an invitation-only ceremony at the original site at 9.30am Friday 29 September 2023, followed by a free public concert later that day at State Square, Parliament House Darwin.

Headlined by King Stingray, the concert will see performances from Mumbali, Wildfire Manwurrk, Wairuk Band and The Mystics, alongside cultural performances and historic images from the land rights movement and 50-year history of the NLC.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council Chair Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi

It’s a privilege to be Chair of the NLC in 2023 as we mark 50 years since the first meeting of our representatives.
They fought hard for the recognition of our traditional law, culture and land rights
The history of Aboriginal land rights would look very different without the NLC and the achievements gained on the backs of the first Full Council.
Over the next few years we will mark other significant 50-year milestones – the official incorporation of the NLC in 1974, the start of land claim hearings in 1975, and the passage of the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act in 1976 and its introduction in January 1977 – and will celebrate with events across our regions.
We acknowledge 50 years since the inaugural meeting of the first NLC Full Council and commemorate the strong Aboriginal leaders who stepped forward to represent their communities and fight for their traditionally owned lands and seas.
This history and leadership continues to guide us as we walk towards the future.
The NLC is as necessary today as it was 50 years ago in the ongoing fight to recognise the land ownership of Aboriginal people, and it will only become more so over the next 50 years as we support Aboriginal people to protect, maintain and benefit from their land holdings.
We look forward to celebrating with our current elected representatives, our constituents, families and the general public at the free concert on Friday 29 September.

he names of the first attendees (including representatives from the Tiwi Islands and Groote Eylandt who went on to form their own land councils) were:

Chair, Silas Roberts – Maningrida (Chairman)
Deputy Chair, John Gwadbu – Goulburn Island
Secretary, Ruth Paul – Bagot
Dick Malwagu – Croker Island
Frank Gulamanamana – Kopanga
John Baya – Milingimbi
Stephen Bunbay Jnr – Galiwin’ku
Wali Wunungmurra – Yirrkala
Lindsay Joshua – Numbulwar
Douglas Daniels – Ngukurr
Silas Maralingura – Oenpelli
Victor Jackinimba (Hood) – Beswick
Felix Bunduk – Port Keats
Harry Wilson – Daly River
Harry Singh – Delissaville
Jack Isaac – Borroloola
Peter Parrmiripal – Mudginberri
Snowy Ponto – Roper Valley
Allan Young – Victoria River Downs
Jack Cotton – Brunette Downs
Captain Andrew – Bamyili
Harry Munkara – Bathurst Island
Billy Hetherington – Snake Bay
Albert Tipungwuti – Garden Point;
Terry Meruyrwan – Angurugu, and Clancy Wurramaminyamanja – Umbakumba

Magnif

Northern Land Council call for harsher penalties around illegal land clearing

Mon, 04 Sep 2023 01:48:39 GMT

The findings of the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security into illegal land clearing at Tarwoo Station represent a clear disregard by the Northern Territory Government in punishing criminal activity on land involving Aboriginal interests.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council’s Chair, Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi:

The fine of $7,536 for illegally clearing land is outrageously low. A fine of this size will not deter developers from continuing this practise. If anything, it demonstrates that for a small fee you can clear land wherever and whenever you want.

The NT Government must start building and enforcing a regulatory environment which serves the interests of all Territorians.

The current punishments are ineffective, as we see through continuing instances of illegal land clearing across the Top End. Something needs to change. Regulations need to be stricter, investigations need to be more transparent and penalties must be harsher.

In 2023 the Northern Land Council nominated Aboriginal representatives to take up positions on the Pastoral Land Board. These nominations were rejected. Considering the shared interests and rights to land in the Territory from both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, a balanced representation within this statutory authority could lead to more mutually beneficial decision making.

Aboriginal Territorians have legal rights to Country subject to pastoral leases. They need to be given an opportunity to protect sacred sites before land clearing can happen.

The Northern Land Council is not opposed to developing land. But Native Title Holders rights must be respected in that process.

NLC Corporate Plan 2023-24

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 06:11:58 GMT

The NLC Corporate Plan provides information about the significant activities which the NLC will undertake over the four years, 2023/24 to 2026/27.

Land Rights News: August 2023

Fri, 18 Aug 2023 06:43:45 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Read the latest Land Rights News - Northern Edition

NT land councils bring Voice Declaration to the people’s house

Thu, 22 Jun 2023 01:45:20 GMT

The chairs of the four Northern Territory Aboriginal land councils will visit Parliament House in Canberra tomorrow to deliver the 2023.3 Barunga Declaration urging Australians to support a Voice to Parliament.

The chairs and members of the land councils are elected representatives of tens of thousands of traditional owners and Aboriginal residents of remote communities, homelands, town camps and towns across the NT.

The four chairs will present the Barunga Declaration to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

On 9 June, members of the Northern, Central, Tiwi and Anindilyakwa land councils signed the Declaration at Barunga on the anniversary of the 1988 Barunga Statement that was presented to then Prime Minister Bob Hawke.

Thirty-five years ago, the Central and Northern land council chairs Wenten Rubuntja and Yunupingu addressed the leader of the Federal Government and called for Aboriginal recognition and rights.

Today, the 2023 Barunga Declaration speaks directly to the people of Australia and calls for “the recognition of our peoples in our still young constitution by enshrining our voice to the parliament and executive government, never to be rendered silent with the stroke of a pen again”.

It invites all Australians to “right the wrongs of the past and deal with the serious issues impacting First Nations peoples…and unite our country”.

Northern Land Council chair, Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi, said: “This Declaration comes from our people. It is the voice from the bush calling on all Australians to recognise us, support us, and help us make the changes so urgently needed for a better future, together.”

Tiwi Land Council chair, Gibson Farmer Illortaminni, said: “Through the establishment of a Voice to Parliament, we, the Tiwi people, want to be at the table when decisions are made that affect our land, culture, and future. We urge all Australians to join us to ensure our voices are heard and respected when important decisions are being made that affect us".

“The Barunga Declaration deserves to hang alongside the Barunga Statement on the walls of the people’s house for all times and make future generations of Australians proud,” Central Land Council chair Matthew Palmer said.

Anindilyakwa Land Council chair, Tony Wurramarrba, said: “We want our voices to always be heard in the parliament and by the government before decisions are made about us. Business as usual has failed us. We are here to ask all Australians to help us open the door to a better way of working together and vote yes in the referendum.”

2023 Barunga Voice Declaration

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 01:43:41 GMT

The four Northern Territory Aboriginal land councils signed the Barunga Voice Declaration that addresses all Australians and urges them to support a Voice to Parliament

More than 200 representatives of the Northern, Central, Tiwi and Anindilyakwa land council gathered on the traditional lands of the Bagala (Jawoyn) group at Barunga, south-east of Katherine last week. Land council members signed the Declaration and a copy was then presented to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney MP.

The 2023 Barunga Voice Declaration calls “for the recognition of our peoples in our still young constitution by enshrining our voice to the parliament and executive government, never to be rendered silent with the stroke of a pen again”.

It invites all Australians to “right the wrongs of the past and deal with the serious issues impacting First Nations peoples…and unite our country”.

Together, the land council members speak with the authority as the elected representatives of tens of thousands of grass roots residents of remote communities, town camps and towns across the Territory.

Quotes from land council chairs

Northern Land Council chair, Samuel Bush-Blanasi: “I am very proud the NLC is hosting this historic meeting at Barunga. We are standing strong together as we continue our long struggle. We speak for our clans, communities and our families, asking all Australians to support us and vote ‘Yes’ so we can finally be respected as equals.”

Central Land Council chair, Matthew Palmer: “Most Aboriginal people, not just here in the Territory, want a voice to power. Please don’t let the nay-sayers in Canberra confuse you and support us by voting ‘yes’.”

Anindilyakwa deputy chair, Thomas Amagula: “The call for constitutional recognition and a voice to parliament is about respect and coming together as a country to build a future we can all be proud of. This is what those old leaders started back in 1988 and we stand here today to carry on the spirit of their legacy.”

Tiwi Land Council chair, Gibson Farmer Illortaminni: “Through the proposed referendum and the establishment of a voice to parliament, we, the Tiwi people, want to be at the table when decisions are made that affect our land, culture, and future. I urge all Australians to join us in embracing this opportunity for positive change and vote 'Yes' to ensure our voices are heard and respected when important decisions are being made that affect us."

The Declaration honours past leaders and the 1988 Barunga Statement that called for the recognition of Aboriginal rights and culture, that was presented to former prime minister Bob Hawke by NLC chair Yunupingu and CLC chair Wenten Rubuntja 35 years ago.

The Barunga Declaration

We, members of the four Northern Territory Aboriginal land councils, acknowledging our elders and old people, have gathered again at Barunga, the site of the historic Barunga Statement in 1988 and the Barunga Agreement in 2018, with pride in our own laws, cultures and ceremonies, looking to the future.

We, who have been dispossessed and subjected to punitive controls by governments, who have never ceded sovereignty over our lands and waters, resolve with one heart our determined support for the implementation of the Uluru Statement from the Heart in full.

We must right the wrongs of the past and deal with the serious issues impacting First Nations peoples, empower First Nations peoples and unite our country.

We call for the recognition of First Nations peoples in our still young constitution by enshrining our voice to the parliament and executive government, never to be rendered silent with the stroke of a pen again.

We need to be heard and urge our fellow Australians to stand with us and vote ‘yes’ in the forthcoming referendum, for the sake of a better future for all of us.

The Declaration pays homage to the original Barunga Statement design and honours the cultural leaders who created it in 1988 (listed below), including sole survivor, pre-eminent artist Mr Djambawa Marawilli AM

1988 Barunga Statement artwork created by:

Yunupingu AM, 1948-2023, Gumatj

M Marawili, c.1937-2018, Madarrpa

B Marawili, 1944-2002, Madarrpa

D Marawili AM, 1953, Madarrpa

D Ngurruwuthun, 1936-2001, Munyuku

D Ngurruwuthun, c. 1940-2001, Munyuku

W Rubuntja AM, c. 1926-2005, Arrernte

L Turner Jampijinpa, 1951-2009, Warlpiri

D Williams Japanangka, 1948-2013, Warlpiri

NLC Chair awarded Honorary Doctorate

Tue, 23 May 2023 01:40:36 GMT

The Northern Land Council congratulates Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi on the awarding of his well-deserved Honorary Doctor of Letters (honoris causa).

This award acknowledges a life-time of hard work and the commitment of Dr Bush-Blanasi to the empowerment and rights of Aboriginal peoples.

Dr Bush-Blanasi grew up in Wugularr (Beswick) community in the Katherine region and is a proud Yolngu man through his mother who was from the Blue Mud Bay region in east Arnhem.

For over three decades, Samuel has been an active member of the Northern Land Council (NLC), serving nine terms including three terms as Deputy Chair. He is currently serving his fourth consecutive term as NLC Chair. Samuel has experience in representational and governance roles.

He was an elected ATSIC representative and founding member of the Association of Northern, Kimberley and Arnhem Aboriginal Artists (ANKAAA); and more recently was instrumental in the establishment of the Aboriginal Sea Company. In 2022 he was appointed co-Chair of the interim board to establish the Northern Territory Aboriginal Investment Corporation. He is a long-serving board member of the North Australian Indigenous Land & Sea Management Alliance, a member of Aboriginal Housing Northern Territory Aboriginal Corporation and a member of the Governing Group of the Aboriginal Peak Organisations Northern Territory.

Dr Bush-Blanasi was awarded his doctorate from Charles Darwin University in a graduation ceremony on 18 May 2023 attended by his family, friends, colleagues and fellow graduates.

“With my role as NLC Chair I walk in both worlds acting on behalf of TO’s as I work with stakeholders and government. This recognition is supported by that traditional authority and it is a privilege to accept this honorary doctorate that acknowledges my place in the two worlds that have contributed to it,” said Dr Bush-Blanasi.

Dr Bush-Blanasi was recognised earlier this year for his commitment to the empowerment of Aboriginal People when he was named 2023 Northern Territory Australian of the Year.

Media please note: when referring to the NLC Chair in future, use of this full title is recommended: Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi.

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Federal Court decision welcomed

Tue, 23 May 2023 01:30:40 GMT

The Northern Land Council welcomes the decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court, paving the way for the Gove Peninsula Yolŋu native title case and associated compensation claim to be heard.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council’s Chair, Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi:

Yesterday’s decision, subject to appeal, is a significant procedural step.

It confirmed a range of acts historically undertaken on Yolgnu land did not extinguish native title rights on the Gove Peninsula.

It is also heartening to see the Full Federal Court uphold the decision in Wurridjal v Commonwealth (2009) that property in the Northern Territory, including First Nation interests in land, cannot be compulsory acquired without compensation.

This may have significant ongoing implications for Traditional Owners and native title holders.

The finding is one step on what could be a long path to just compensation for the bauxite mining on Yolŋu land.

As we mourn the loss of Yunupingu who served as our Chair for almost a quarter of a century, the decision is also a poignant reminder of his foresight, tenacity and ongoing legacy.

Yunupingu honoured as a man of action who spoke truth to power

Mon, 22 May 2023 01:25:44 GMT

The Northern Land Council today honoured Yunupingu as a fierce fighter for land and sea rights, the Land Council, and for Aboriginal people across Australia.

Still in his 20’s, Yunupingu was first elected Chair of the NLC in 1977 and served eight terms - almost half the time of the council’s existence*.

Yunupingu’s words from a 1977 National Press Club speech still resonate today and the NLC continues to be guided by his leadership, courage and wisdom.

From Yunupingu’s 1977 Press Club speech as NLC Chair:

“These are difficult days for all of us, Aboriginal Australians and European Australians as we learn to live together in a new way, with real equality… We [Aboriginal people] want to share this land with you, and we ask you to share it with us, openly, and without fear or secret dealings.”

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council’s current Chair, Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi:

The Northern Land Council owes Yunupingu a debt that can never be repaid.
He was our Chair for almost a quarter of a century. • In 2018 he came to a meeting of the four NT land councils on the 30th anniversary of the Barunga Statement. He signed it in 1988 with the Chairs of the other three land councils.
His history is our history.
As Chair of the NLC Yunupingu was a true diplomat, a courageous leader, and a man of great vision.
He was a fierce fighter for the Northern Land Council and for Aboriginal people across the NLC’s region and across Australia.
We will continue what he started and always honour his memory and his historic achievements.

NLC Chair Mr Samuel Bush-Blanasi was unable to attend the memorial ceremony at Gunyangara, NE Arnhem Land. His speech was delivered by CEO Joe Martin-Jard - attribution to Chair Bush-Blanasi.

* The Northern Land Council is celebrating 50 years since the 1973 meeting of Traditional Owners who constituted the NLC’s inaugural Full Council. In June 2023, the four land councils of the Northern Territory will meet in Barunga on the 35th anniversary of the Barunga Statement.

NLC welcome much needed investment in National Parks

Wed, 26 Apr 2023 01:20:20 GMT

The Commonwealth Government’s announcement in the 2023-24 Budget of $262.3 million additional funding for Australia’s national parks has been warmly welcomed by the Northern Land Council.

“We really need this extra funding, especially in Kakadu in the NLC region,” said Chair of the Northern Land Council Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi following the announcement.

“If you go there you see will how many improvements can be made now that the Government is providing this investment,” said Dr Bush-Blanasi.

The Government has said the investment will address critical infrastructure needs, including updating unsafe equipment, fixing inadequate signage, providing essential ranger housing, and refurbishing rundown facilities like the Kakadu Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Matthew Ryan, Mayor for West Arnhem Regional Council and Chair of NLC’s West Arnhem Regional Council, applauded the Government and Minister Plibersek for this much needed support.

“We have been asking for more funding for years. I want to thank Prime Minister Albanese and Minister Plibersek for making this happen,” said Mayor Ryan.

Part of the funding will go to repairing the roof at Jim Jim Rangers station at Kakadu, which is peeling off, and improving crocodile warning signs, important for visitor safety, which in some places are broken or missing.

Importantly, the funding will also be used to boost conservation activities and cultural heritage management.

Dr Bush-Blanasi and Mayor Ryan agreed it is vital that local Traditional Owners and Aboriginal Rangers continue to care for country and protect their ancient cultural heritage.

“Kakadu belongs to all Australians but it also belongs to the local Traditional Owners who have been caring for their country through ceremony and culture for 60,000 years,” said Mayor Ryan.

“I am excited about the benefit for Traditional Owners, for local Aboriginal businesses, jobs and Aboriginal tourism. Thank you Prime Minister Albanese and Minister Plibersek for

creating these opportunities. It means we can all look forward to the future with pride in our hearts,” said Dr Bush-Blanasi.

Nation mourns loss of great leader

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 01:14:36 GMT

Today we mourn the loss of a great leader, statesman, and father. On behalf of past and present Members and staff, the Chair of the Northern Land Council, Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi, offered his sincere condolences to Mr Yunupingu’s family.

“Mr Yunupingu will always have a special place in the heart of the Northern Land Council. He served as Chair for almost half our existence. This year is our 50 anniversary. We are part of his great legacy,” said Dr Bush-Blanasi.

Mr Yunupingu served eight terms as NLC Chair, spanning 24 years, from 1977 to 1980 and 1983 to 2004.

“He was in the frontline of the fight for land rights. Those days were tough. But he was tougher. Governments and everyone opposed us all the way. He took the fight to the streets, to Canberra and to the High Court many times. Lots of people today don’t remember what it was like. But we do and we will never forget,” said Dr Bush-Blanasi.

The Northern Land Council will be closed today, 3 April 2023, out of respect.

CEO of the Northern Land Council, Joe Martin-Jard, called on NLC staff to use this time to pause and reflect on Mr Yunupingu’s historic achievements, from the Yirrkala Bark Petitions in 1963 to the Barunga Statement in 1988, to becoming the inspiration for the Land Council’s strategic policy called ‘activating land and sea rights.’

“The term ‘activating land rights’ was first used by Mr Yunupingu and we are using this as the basis for our long-term future direction. It is true to say of Mr Yunupingu that if we have seen far, it is because we have stood on the shoulders of this giant leader,” said Mr Martin-Jard.

Repairing nature means Caring for Country

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 01:11:35 GMT

The Chair of the Northern Land Council, Dr Samuel Bush-Blanasi, today welcomed the introduction of legislation into the Commonwealth Parliament to establish a ‘nature repair’ market.

The Nature Repair Market Bill 2023 will enable Traditional Owners and other landholders, who protect, manage or restore country, to obtain ‘biodiversity’ certificates which can then be sold.

“Aboriginal people have been caring for Country for tens of thousands of years. But so much damage has been done in the last two-hundred and fifty years. This new law will help Traditional Owners fix it,” Dr Bush-Blanasi said.

The nature repair market will operate in parallel with the existing carbon market. Many types of project will be possible under the scheme such as:

1. improving or restoring existing native vegetation by activities such as fencing or weeding

2. restoring local species to a previously cleared area

3. protecting rare grasslands that provide habitat for an endangered species.

“Traditional Owners know their Country. Indigenous Rangers have also played a key role in using traditional knowledge to manage Country through land and sea management across the Territory. This new market is good news for Traditional Owners and Rangers,” Dr Bush-Blanasi said.

NLC CEO Mr Joe Martin-Jard highlighted the progressive role that Traditional Owners have played through their application of sustainable practices, “Traditional Owners have proven to be leaders in developing market-based initiatives such as the Carbon Farming Initiative.

“Indigenous-owned and managed savanna fire management was pioneered in the NT, and is now recognised globally, contributing significantly to Australia’s emissions reduction target,” Mr Martin-Jard said.

The Northern Land Council made a submission on the exposure draft bill which is available online at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

“With around half of the Northern Territory’s land mass and 85% of its coastline owned by Aboriginal people under freehold title, and most of the remainder

subject to native title, Aboriginal people in the NT will play a key role in the provision of nature repair credits,” Mr Martin-Jard said.

A key feature of the new legislation is ensuring the free, prior and informed consent of Traditional Owners for projects on Aboriginal freehold or native title land.

“Making sure Traditional Owners agree to projects on Aboriginal land goes without saying. I want to see Aboriginal projects on Aboriginal land being run by Aboriginal people. This is our future,” Dr Bush-Blanasi said.

To get the new market off the ground, it will be important to develop and test methods which set out the rules for different types of projects.

Mr Martin-Jard noted that the NLC region has a vast array of habitats representative of northern Australia which face major threats such as feral animals, weeds and saltwater intrusion into the vast wetland ecosystems.

“Without the incentives and interventions available through a nature repair market, there is a high risk these once pristine ecosystems will be further degraded and lost forever. We will be working hard to promote a suitable area in the NLC region for a potential pilot site and method development for the Nature Repair Market.” Mr Martin-Jard said.

NLC Strategic Plan 2022-27

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 23:49:05 GMT

The NLC Strategic Plan was adopted by the Full Council at Katherine in December 2022. The Strategic Plan sets out the strategic intent of the Northern Land Council for the period 2022-27.

“Enough is enough” – legal proceedings launched to challenge decision to permit more land clearing at Auvergne Station

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 01:08:52 GMT

Legal proceedings were commenced on Friday 10 February 2023 in the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory, challenging a decision made on 25 November 2022 by a delegate of the Pastoral Land Board to grant a permit to clear native vegetation over at least 923 hectares of land at Auvergne Station.

Auvergne Station is located west of the town of Timber Creek in the Victoria River District of the Top End. The plaintiffs are three senior members of the Ngarinyman-Wulayi group, who hold native title over the country that is to be cleared. They are joined in the proceedings by the Northern Land Council and the native title holders’ prescribed body corporate.

The challenge is made on the grounds that the rights and interests of native title holders and sacred site custodians – including their traditional rights to use the land, which are reserved under the terms of the pastoral lease – were not properly considered. The native title holders also claim that the decision-making process was procedurally unfair, and that a purpose of the land clearing is to grow cotton, which is not a permitted pastoral activity.

The NLC is concerned that sacred sites are regularly put at risk by land clearing on cattle stations because the Pastoral Land Board does not require the holders of land clearing permits to obtain a sacred site clearance as part of the application process.

This legal challenge follows the NLC’s repeated expressions of concern to the NT Government and the Pastoral Land Board about deficiencies in the decision-making processes for pastoral land clearing activities across the Northern Territory.

Quotes attributable to Northern Land Council Chief Executive Officer, Joe Martin-Jard:

“The NLC is not opposed to development but it must be done in a sustainable and respectful way. It’s not good enough that Aboriginal Territorians with legal rights on country subject to pastoral leases have no opportunity to have their voices heard before land clearing is permitted. Native title holders are now having to turn to the courts to try to have their rights and interests acknowledged and respected.”

“The Pastoral Land Board appears to be treating cotton growing as a pastoral activity. That cannot be right. Growing cotton requires different regulation than pastoral activities. Growing cotton should be regulated by the Northern Territory Government as a non-pastoral use of land.”

“The land that is being cleared across the Northern Territory is not forgotten land that no one cares about. It belongs to Aboriginal people. There are legal rights over that land that must be respected.”

“All Territorians should be concerned about how pastoral lands are managed on their behalf by leaseholders and the NT Government. Enough is enough. We need to ensure that the pastoral estate is properly managed for future generations.”

Submission to the Joint Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs ‘Inquiry into community safety, support services and job opportunities in the Northern Territory’

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 05:07:20 GMT

The terms of reference for this Inquiry include looking into the end of the Stronger Futures legislation and alcohol management in the NT.

The NLC submission highlights that government planning and consultation were not adequate prior to the end of Stronger Futures and lifting of alcohol restrictions. The submission emphasises the need for Aboriginal people to be at the centre of the design and implementation of policies that affect them.

Talking History: Deborah Jones. At Kalkarindji, 25 August 2022

Wed, 01 Feb 2023 01:26:02 GMT

Deborah Jones is a Ngaliwurru/ Nungali woman who lives at Timber Creek. Her traditional land is Wanimin Yirijpirnti, in the upper Victoria River area.

My proper birthplace was at Bamyili – now called Barunga – at the old Maranboy Police Station. The Katherine Hospital was full up with a lot of patients so my mum was put out there in the community with other ladies.

The NLC’s Chairman’s mother, Clair Bush, was my mother’s midwife. She delivered me. He treats me like a sister now! I grew up on Fitzroy Station – we own that station now.

Its my traditional land. When I was growing up we moved around on a lot of stations. My dad was a stockman back then. We went all around the country – Northern Territory, Western Australia.

My first school was on Bradshaw Station. Then I went to Clyde Fenton Primary School in Katherine, that was my first real school. I got scared of white kids, I didn’t really like white kids. I didn’t hate them but I was really scared you know, because I thought they were going to do something to me. Bash me or something!

But, yeah, I grew out of that and made a lot of friends there. Then I went to the Timber Creek primary school. That was back in 1984.

Then in 1985 I went to Kormilda College.

In 1987 I went to Katherine High School until November and then I started working as an assistant teacher out at Timber Creek school.

Then I worked for Ngaliwurru Aboriginal Corporation – back then it was called the Ngaringman Resource Centre. Ngaringman started off at Yarralin on VRD station ... but moved up to Timber Creek, because that was central to all the outstations and communities it serviced. Ngaringman provided support and services to about 13 communities.

I worked at Ngaringman for 14 years and after that I worked with the Katherine West Health Board for about 11 years. I started off as an NLC member around 2008 or 2009 I think it was.

It was when Galarrwuy was Chairman and Samuel was on the Executive from the Katherine Region. Now I’m on the NLC Executive – it’s good, going to meetings and catching up with other members from other regions.

As an Executive member you get a lot of countrymen and women come and talk to me about a lot of issues where they want me to help them get their message out. This includes stories about their land. Our culture means a lot to us, to all the Aboriginal people.

I’m also a Regional Councillor for the NLC and we bring all of the issues that community members bring to us. We bring them to our Regional Council meetings – we meet twice a year on country and also before each Full Council meeting. This means we can bring those issues to the attention of other members and to NLC staff so they can do something about it.

This is really important – for all of us in the VRD region we get to put our concerns to either the Executive or to the Full Council. We all come together as one mob, one really strong voice.

If we didn’t have the one voice – without the NLC and all the NLC members our issues wouldn’t be heard – by government, people we work with, all that.

Another way is when all of the four land councils – the Tiwi, Anindilyakwa, Central and Northern land councils – all get together to meet. We are all heard as one strong voice for our community, our people.

Next year the Land Council will have been working for our people for 50 years and my family has been with it for many years of that time. Well, in another 50 years I still want to see the Land Council still here, I want to see it still fighting for the rights for our people. It has been established for a long time now – 50 years – and now we need to keep going!

We need the next generation to take on this job too and be part of this Land Rights fight. That next generation – they’ve gotta go to school, learn about their history and culture through listening to the old people and then they’ve got to come behind and walk along our path. Follow their elders.

Read Land Rights News December 2023 issue:

Walking together in managing our parks

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 01:22:19 GMT

Since the first agreement over Territory parks 30 years ago at Nitmiluk— between Traditional Owners and the NT Parks and Wildlife Commission—there has been little coordinated planning, often poor management, and mixed government response to Aboriginal peoples inclusion to park management.

In late August, the NLC Joint Management Forum sought a more effective way forward.

The Forum brought together Traditional Owners representing all the Parks and Reserves in the NLC’s region under joint management. The Forum was also attended by senior staff from the Parks and Wildlife Commission.

It provided an opportunity to reset the relationship between Joint Management partners. It was the first time Traditional Owners were directly consulted about the draft Parks Masterplan, a 30-year vision for the Parks. NLC Chairman, Mr Bush-Blanasi opened the Forum by stating that only by “walking together” can true joint management be achieved. He stressed that the partnership cannot repeat the Walking together in managing our parks mistakes of the past.

Traditional Owners shared their experiences of what has and hasn’t worked well in partnership with NT Parks, and had many ideas on how park management and how it could be improved. This includes flexible employment and time on country with family, respect for Aboriginal decision-making and training in governance, cultural awareness an involving the next generation in the joint management process.

Traditional Owners were frustrated with poor communication, lack of consultation, support and resources for joint management committees. Everyone agreed that joint management is difficult but worthwhile, yet a lot needs to change to make it really work.

Executive Director of Parks, Ms Sally Egan, attended the Forum. She said the Northern Territory Government is developing a new Masterplan that will provide a clear long-term vision for the future of the Territory’s parks and reserves for the next 30 years.

She announced that more funds will be available for joint management partners. Traditional Owners emphasised the need to be brought along at all stages of park management, including decisions on how this new money is spent.

Based on feedback, the NLC has written a submission on the draft Parks Masterplan, available at the NLC website. The submission lists a number of recommendations, including the development of an Aboriginal regional governance group that has a voice to Parks decision makers and the Minister.

The key message from the forum was the need for Traditional Owners and NT Parks to walk together to care for country for the benefit of current and future generations

Wagiman Rangers – a “burning ambition” to improve management of the Wagiman & Upper Daly Aboriginal Land Trusts

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 01:16:35 GMT

Since 2021, the Northern Land Council’s Wagiman Rangers have been working closer with their communities, neighbouring Ranger groups, local non-Aboriginal land managers and land-owners and external consultants and scientists to establish a sustainable fire and land management regime throughout their traditional lands.

Like many Aboriginal land managers across the Top End of the NT the Wagiman Rangers take responsibility and care not just for land that may be within an Aboriginal land Trust established under the Land Rights Act or that may be subject to a Native Title determination—but all land within their traditional country.

In 2020 the Wagiman rangers and communities started work on the Wagiman/Upper Daly Savanna Fire/Carbon Project. There have been many delays—particularly by the COVID-19 pandemic—that has slowed progress but the Wagiman are determined and look forward to finalisation of this project in the coming months.

The motivation for the project came from a desire from the community to change the destructive pattern of wildfires that have torn across the land trusts and neighbouring land in recent years, changing them from frequent late dry season hot fires, to earlier cooler and patcher burns.

Similar projects exist in Arnhem Land through the Arnhem Land Fire Abatement (ALFA) project, and closer with projects that the Thamarrurr and Jawoyn Rangers had developed. It is hoped that eventually an ALFA-type program will be established in the Darwin Daly region.

Another important factor has been to continue to build bridges with pastoral leases to enhance effective fire management—a sore point in the past as non-communicating neighbours have tended to point the finger over the fence when late dry season wildfires rage across the landscape.

The Wagiman community, that represent traditional owners on the Wagiman and Upper Daly Aboriginal Land Trusts, are keen to participate in initiatives that will promote the employment of young Aboriginal people and create opportunities for self-sustainability and long-term self-governance so that Wagiman people can get back onto and look after their country. The Wagiman community realised that improved fire management could lead to the empowerment of the groups and the communities that they represent. Wagiman Rangers are proud to be part of this movement.

Wugularr proves that community licensed venues can work!

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 00:58:31 GMT

Recently the Wugularr (Beswick) community celebrated the grand opening of a new community bistro, made possible through the local store’s community benefit fund.

Wugularr’s new bistro is a family-friendly dining area, seating 80 people inside and a further 170 people outside and is an extension of the existing Beswick Club, now refurbished and located on the site of the former store.

Chair of the Wuduluk Progress Aboriginal Corporation, Peter Lindsay, proudly welcomed locals and visitors to the new bistro.

“It has always been a dream of the directors to renovate the old store and create a place for families to enjoy. I couldn’t wait to show everybody. It’s something that will last a long time. We’re all proud of it,” Mr Lindsay said.

The grand opening included a barbeque and jumping castles, a bunggul (traditional dance ceremony), and a ribbon-cutting by traditional owners Rayleen Bulumbara and “Tango” Frankie Lane.

Mr Lindsay outlined the community store’s journey from voluntary administration to working with Outback Stores and then making a profit.

“We saw changes straight away, with fresh produce and grocery shelves full. The store was making a profit, paying the bills, paying the local staff and banking some money,” said Mr Lindsay.

Outback Stores started providing retail services to Beswick in 2008, when the store was recording losses. The past 14 years saw the store rise out of administration and build up its financial position to allow for annual distributions to the community, as well as for the construction of the Beswick Bistro.

The Beswick Club has been in operation since 2012. The region’s police believe that this locally-owned licensed venue provides an invaluable service to the community.

Measuring waste in tonnes and millions in East Arnhem

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:52:51 GMT

Waste management in East Arnhem is a difficult operation. Communities are spread across large areas of isolated and hard to access land and there’s limited space for landfill, particularly within island communities.

The East Arnhem Regional Council (EARC) are making a change though, with multiple strategies and projects currently underway to improve the environmental impact and sustainability of waste management in the region.

The Council’s “10 Year Waste Strategy” has seen the implementation of bi-weekly residential kerbside rubbish collections, “Clean-up Weeks” four times a year, a “Cash 4 Containers” program that’s currently closing in on 2 million recycled containers diverted from landfill and facilitating close to $200,000 back to community members directly involved and a region wide scrap metal recovery project that since 2019 has recycled approximately 2213 tonnes of scrap metal across six communities.

Shane Marshall, Director of Technical and Infrastructure Services for EARC, said “the Council tries to develop community-based initiatives that focus on incentive-based programs that promote behaviour changes. Initiatives such as “Cash 4 Containers” have been successful as they promote long-term positive waste management practices, improve the environment, and provide a small cash incentive directly to individuals who want to participate”

“Improving waste management practises is important to the region as it improves the environment through reduced litter and dumping, promotes a healthy lifestyle, reduces long-term costs of landfilling, and improves the sustainability of the region by promoting a circular economy through the diversion of different waste streams out of the landfill and sending them back to industry to reuse and recycle.”

EARC organises many of the waste management events throughout the region and receive support from local organisations such as ALPA, CDP, ranger groups and schools as well as participation from local residents.

Communities involved in the EARC waste management program are Angurugu, Umbakumba, Milyakburra, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, Milingimbi, Ramingining and Yirrkala.

Submission to the Northern Territory Government on the Draft Surface Water Take – Wet Season Flows Policy and the Draft Interference with a Waterway Guideline

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 05:04:24 GMT

The Northern Land Council provided a response to the NT Government’s Draft Surface Water Take – Wet Season Flows Policy and the Draft Interference with a Waterway Guideline.

The purpose of the draft policy is to establish the allocation rules for quantifying wet season water flow volumes available for consumptive use from a river basin, while maintaining free flowing rivers and important environmental and cultural values. The NLC supports the policy purpose, however the draft policy and guideline do not enable to the purpose to be achieved. The documents do not include adequate protection of the rights and interests of Aboriginal people in the NLC region, and do not provide adequate actions to ensure cultural values are protected. Therefore, the NLC does not support the draft policy or guideline in their current forms. The draft documents require substantial change and should be updated in accordance with the recommendations made in this submission.

Garngi rangers – the NLC’s “eyes and ears” on the Arafura Sea

Tue, 10 Jan 2023 00:48:12 GMT

The Northern Land Council’s Garngi ranger group operate out of Minjilang on Croker Island 200km north-east of Darwin and manage the land and coastal waters around Croker Island.

The rangers carry out regular boat patrols in the region to look out for any illegal or suspicious fishing activities. Like many of the ranger groups operating across the northern coast of Australia, they are the eyes and the ears for regulators and law enforcement in this area. The rangers also look for marine litter including ghost nets.

On a recent patrol they set out to investigate a reported infestation of an invasive weed, Mimosa pigra that had earlier been spotted by the North Australian Quarantine Service while conducting an animal survey by helicopter.

Like all of the NLC ranger groups, the Garngi Rangers work closely with their neighbouring ranger groups and a variety of Territory and Federal agencies, including Quarantine, the NT Police and NT Fisheries.

Near Cape Croker the Garngi patrol spotted a vessel anchored close to mouth of the creek near the lighthouse and the rangers were concerned that this vessel was anchored above a sacred site. The vessel was a large guided fishing operator with three small tenders.

On this day the Garngi patrol was unsuccessful in initiating any further investigation for the alleged transgression on the sacred site but were able to use this event to assess how they could do better next time.

Since that event they have started working more closely with the NT Water Police, NT Fisheries and the NLC’s Caring for Country Compliance Team, in order to gather the right kind of evidence that could support a prosecution in the future.

With the assistance of the Caring for Country Compliance team the Garngi rangers designed and installed a number of Information signs around Croker Island and the adjacent outer islands that will put fishers on notice as to where they can go and what areas they should avoid.

Land Rights News: December 2022

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 06:40:42 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Read the latest Land Rights News - Northern Edition

Submission to the Northern Territory Government on the Draft Georgina Wiso Water Allocation Plan

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 05:01:55 GMT

The Northern Land Council provided a response to the Draft Georgina Wiso Water Allocation Plan, finding that the draft water allocation plan documents do not provide adequate information for the NLC to have confidence in the proposed water management arrangements for the Georgina Wiso area.

The draft plan does not integrate the management of all water resources in the region; adequately address risks and identify mitigation responses; or put effective water management arrangements in place. The NLC calls for the documents be withdrawn and an interim water allocation plan of up to three years duration be redrafted; that the NLC is part of an advisory group to undertake a streamlined, fast‐tracked water planning process in early 2023; and that as part of the redrafting process, advice be sought from relevant authorities to ensure that a redrafted interim water plan meets the requirements of the National Water Initiative.

Submission to the Northern Territory Government on the Draft Territory Water Plan

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 04:59:55 GMT

The Northern Land Council provided a submission in response to the NT Government’s Draft Territory Water Plan.

In our submission, the NLC calls for true recognition of Traditional Owner’s rights and responsibilities for all aspects of water resource management; the protection of culturally important and sacred sites; and for Aboriginal people to have access and the ability to use water as they see fit. In the NT we need an innovative and progressive Water Plan that adheres with the national water reform agenda and meets community expectations for best practice water management. The Water Plan provides an opportunity to put in place mechanisms to protect water for Country and culture; to ensure there is sufficient water of appropriate quality for people and services across the NT; and to enable economic development. We are asking the Government to not waste this opportunity as they finalise the Water Plan.

Submission to the Productivity Commission on the National Water Reform

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 04:57:53 GMT

The Northern Land Council provided a submission to the Productivity Commission in response to their draft report on National Water Reform 2020.

The submission made 23 recommendations for the Commission to consider in finalising its advice to the Commonwealth Government. Our submission also highlighted significant components of the 2004 Intergovernmental Agreement on a National Water Initiative that have not been implemented or adhered to in the Northern Territory, but that need to be addressed as part of a future water reform agenda.

Submission to the Commonwealth Inquiry into the Federal election

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 04:55:45 GMT

At least 14,000 eligible Aboriginal people in the NT aren’t on the electoral roll, and many of those who are on the roll aren’t voting in elections: the division of Lingiari, which covers the whole of the NT outside of Darwin, has the lowest turnout of voters in Australia. With the Voice to Parliament referendum fast approaching, it’s important for Aboriginal Territorians to have their say.

The NLC submission proposes a number of actions the Commonwealth Government can take to increase the electoral participation of Aboriginal people in the NT.

NLC Annual Report 2021-22

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 04:35:27 GMT

The Northern Land Council Annual Report 2021-22 provides a comprehensive account of the Council's performance from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.

Submission on the NT Parks Masterplan

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 04:52:32 GMT

The NLC submission on the NT Parks Masterplan urges the Parks and Wildlife Commission to commit to working in partnership with Traditional Owners and Land Councils to improve joint management of the parks estate and deliver long-term ecological, social, cultural and economic benefits for Traditional Owners and other stakeholders.

The submission makes recommendations regarding governance, implementation and review of the plan, supporting local Aboriginal employment and economic development, and cultural protection.

NLC Audit Committee Charter

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 04:37:46 GMT

The Northern Land Council established an Audit Committee (the Committee), in compliance with Section 45 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability act 2013 (PGPA Act) and under PGPA Rule (section 17 [l] the Accountable Authority of the NLC has determined the charter of the audit committee.

The Committee provides independent advice and assistance to the Council .

The Audit Committee Charter sets out the committee’s role, authority, responsibilities, composition and tenure, reporting, and administrative arrangements. It is available for download above.

Traditional Owners in the Top End are fed up with antifracking activists interfering on their country

Fri, 05 Aug 2022 00:43:57 GMT

When Jingili Elder Pompey Raymond reflects on the Northern Territory's oil and gas industry, he sees careers for young people, education, community infrastructure and a pathway to protect his country.

A senior ceremony man and mangaya (Traditional Owner) born on Beetaloo Station, Mr Raymond believes the debate around industry is often hijacked by those who should not be speaking for the region.

"My father been learning me all that country....and all that Beetaloo Station, all them ceremony things, Mr Raymond said.

"Me and my daughter and my son, we can talk for that Beetaloo.

"Beetaloo Station, we got all them areas... (so) we can talk for that story, (those) people and all that country."

Fracking is a polarising issue among the wider Indigenous population of the Top End, but on Warranangku country Mr Raymond said the voices who could rightfully speak for country were clear in their support.

In a rare series of interviews, remote community leaders such as Mr Raymond have spoken up to dispel perceptions that the Top End's Indigenous community was united against development.

Debate is centered on the Beetaloo Basin, which has enough shale gas stored to power Australia for an estimated 300 years, an attractive proposition given the east coast's current power woes.

Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association director Cassandra Schmidt in May boasted industrialising the basin could generate $1bn in revenue for the Territory over the next two decades, create thousands of jobs and completely transform towns like Katherine, Elliott and Tennant Creek.

Those rallying against companies such as Santos and Origin Energy have mounted a high profile media blitz off the back of a Tiwi Islander taking the federal offshore oil and gas regulator to court and anti-fracking group Nurrdalinji Native Title Aboriginal Corporation's outspoken criticism of the practice.

Their arguments are largely environmental and cultural - focusing on carbon emissions, groundwater health, wastewater disposal and risks to sacred sites.

But Mudburra-Jingili man Jeremy Jackson, who lives in Marlinja on the southwest corner of the Falcon-Origin Beetaloo Basin joint venture, said working with industry was the best way to protect country and improve lives under current native title laws.

Mr Jackson is a spokesperson for his uncle, Terry Jackson, a senior mangaya for the Bamarrnganja group (a major Aboriginal landholding group in the Beetaloo region).

"Native title you say no, the government will actually go around, to the back door, and you say no, and you get all this mining mob coming in," he said.

"We say yes and then we get the benefit out of it and also we look after our country too as well, our sacred sites.

"We want to work together with Northern Land Council and this mining company to protect our country, and our sacred sites."

Mr Jackson said he was happy with the level of consultation undertaken by Origin and the Northern Land Council on the project.

He said Origin had taken its community license to operate seriously - funding a football oval in Elliott, providing jobs for remote residents, and ensuring Traditional Owners had a first-hand look into the operations.

Mr Jackson's comments were backed by fellow Mudburra-Jingili man Benjamin Ulamari, who said Origin was giving jobs to anyone willing to work in Elliott and Marlinja communities.

"My position is a career position - I can get trained up and then I can move to elsewhere and just get a job like that," Mr Ulamari said.

"Helping give us a better future for us, for our kids.

"We want better opportunity, better education, better jobs for our people, (and) we’ll decide that, not others."

Origin has laid out plans to drill two more wells this year between Daly Waters and Borroloola, about 150km northeast of Elliott.

Several smaller players operating in the region - including Empire Energy and Tamboran Resources - are racing towards production too, the former telling a conference last month it hoped to be generating cashflow in 2024.

The jobs are important - living 250km north of Tennant Creek and about 750km from Darwin, career prospects to date have been thin for residents of Elliott and Marlinja.

But even more important than jobs is protection of sacred sites and country, something those supporting fracking have consistently been accused of failing on.

It is an unfair assertion, Mr Jackson said.

"Origin are drilling and all that stuff, and we see what they’re doing on our country, Uncle Terry’s country," he said.

"We did ask a lot of questions about the water and then they showed us.

"We asked them what they put underneath the fracking stuff and they showed us a sample and it was really good."

That willingness from Origin to show Traditional Owners what they are doing has built trust in the company, and a strong belief fracking can be done safely.

Traditional Owners also have access to non-company advice via the Northern Land Council’s technical experts.

For its part, the Territory government has promised to hold industry to high standards, describing risks posed by fracking as "negligible".

Speaking after approving four new Origin wells in the basin in June, and as activists cried foul over Tamboran Resources' move onto a cattle station without pastoralist consent, NT Environment Minister Lauren Moss said stringent environmental standards would be adhered to.

“Proponents are required to have stringent Environmental Management Plans approved, and the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security, as environmental regulator, ensures compliance with EMPs,” she told the National Indigenous Times.

“Regarding Tamboran, there is a land access agreement in place as determined by NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal, which meets the minimum provisions."

Ms Moss said she was comfortable with the level of Traditional Owner consultation undertaken by companies seeking to unlock the Beetaloo Basin's industrial potential.

*By Tom Zaunmayr , National Indigenous Times. This article has been reprinted with permission.

New burial laws respect Aboriginal culture and protect burial sites

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 00:34:46 GMT

In May this year the Northern Territory Government introduced a new bill to Parliament that acknowledges and respects Aboriginal customs and traditions for burials and exhumations.

t’s called the Burial and Cremation Bill 2022 and, if passed, would most likely become legislation later this year.

Currently, burial areas on Aboriginal land aren’t legally recognised and burial records for many communities do not exist.

Having a record of burials will protect burial sites and ensure future generations have a connection to their family history.

The new legislation will not interfere with traditional burial practices. Traditional Owners and native title holders who have traditional rights to bury on their land can continue to bury loved ones like they always have.

What will change?

The new legislation will allow for the following important changes:

burial areas to be legally recognised on Aboriginal land,
ensure records are kept for all burials,
ensure future generations know where deceased loved ones are buried,
a simple process to notify about a burial outside a cemetery, and
recognise a person with cultural authority – a senior next of kin - as the decision maker for a deceased loved one.
details about the deceased person,
confirmation of death,
GPS coordinates or a map of the burial site, and
confirmation that the right people agree to the burial.
a cemetery that is formally managed by a responsible entity,
a burial ground with a representative for the land, and
leaving an area undeclared.
where burial areas should be recognised,
the names and types of burials areas, and
who should keep records for burial areas.

The new legislation was developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including Aboriginal organisations and Land Councils, to make sure it respects customary decision-making and Aboriginal customs and traditions.

Traditional Owners and other decision makers for land will have the final say about burials and whether burial areas are declared on their land.

Notifying about a burial

The new legislation will require a person to complete a simple form to notify about a burial outside a cemetery that provides:

If a burial site is in an undeclared area, the notification will also confirm that the burial does not impact on infrastructure, occupied buildings, waterways and other matters. This is to ensure that public health and the environment is protected.

If any details about a burial are culturally sensitive, that information does not need to be provided. A burial notification will be a flexible process. The notification is submitted to the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet (the Department) so that a burial record can be kept.

Managing burial areas

The new legislation will provide different options for managing areas:

These different options allow for the recognition and management of burial areas in a way that best suits the needs of each community.

After the Bill is passed, the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet will have discussions with Land Councils and decision makers for Aboriginal land to talk about:

Before declaring a burial area there will need to be written consent from the interest holders for the land – for example, the Land Trust for Aboriginal land.

If you have any questions about the Bill or would like to request an information session from the Department, you can email burials@nt.gov.au or call (08) 8995 5107.

A pipeline to caring for country

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 00:30:56 GMT

Aboriginal rangers play a critical role in restoring and maintaining traditional lands and seas, getting rid of feral animals and weeds, and protecting endangered species.

But they also play a vital role in maintaining more industrial aspects of the Northern Territory: just ask the Bulgul and Kenbi rangers.

Stretching across the Northern Territory are two major pipelines, the 1,512 kilometre Amadeus pipeline and the 287 kilometre Bonaparte line. They are major components of the Territory’s infrastructure.

But they need looking after, and this is where our rangers come into the picture, inspecting Top End gas corridor pipelines, which stretch about 1,200km across the NLC region.

Back in 2019, gas pipeline owner APA Group approached the NLC and CLC with a proposal to engage rangers to conduct Gas Pipeline Easement Corridor Conditions Inspections on the Amadeus and Bonaparte Gas Pipelines on a fee-for-service basis.

After NLC rangers successfully completed that first project, APA again approached the NLC to undertake a second inspection of the gas corridor pipelines in 2022.

Rangers from the Kenbi and Bulgul groups worked on country throughout May and June inspecting the gas corridor pipelines.

Kenbi Ranger Coordinator Steven Brown said the Kenbi and Bulgul Rangers had an “awesome experience” working on the APA gas easement this dry season.

“The two teams gained valuable experience in mapping using I Pads and hand held Garmin GPS units. APA also supplied paper maps, which were extremely handy,” he said.

“Rangers communicated with stakeholders ahead of visits to their properties.

“The work whilst not too hard, the days were very long and slow going.

“Some days on the easement we travelled between five to 10km per hour with the vegetation very thick and high.

“The work was enjoyable because we learnt something new every day.

“The terrain south of Katherine was certainly different to what we are used to working on in the tropics.

“Both Ranger groups would certainly take up any future opportunities offered by APA.”

The rangers used the Field Maps application on tablets to identify corridor issues that may affect accessibility or clear delineation of the corridor. This includes erosion, vegetation obscuring access or line of sight, and missing or damaged signage.

As part of this work, the rangers have also been undertaking weed surveys led by APA’s Environment and Heritage team as part of their national approach to document the presence of declared weeds. This will enable appropriate controls to be put in place to manage priority weeds and limit their spread.

Land Rights News: July 2022

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 06:13:50 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Read the latest Land Rights News - Northern Edition

Marine area to protect ‘sacred sites, song lines’

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 00:22:10 GMT

When the Land Rights Act was passed, the mob in Canberra didn’t pay much attention in the law about the importance of sea country to our people. High Court rulings and changes to law and policy now recognise the critical role Traditional Owners have in protecting sea country.

In May, the South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) was one of 10 – and the only Northern Territory-based project – to receive grant funding from the Sea Country IPA Program Grant Opportunity.

This new Commonwealth funding will allow Traditional Owners to better protect a swathe of sea country along the on the west coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The proposed SEAL sea country IPA covers almost 11,000 square kilometres, including 300km of coastline. It extends from the high-tide mark seawards up to 140 kilometres off the coast.

Numbulwar Numburindi Rangers and their Ngukurr-based counterparts, the Yugul Mangi Rangers, will work together on the SEAL IPA.

Senior Numbulwar Numburindi Ranger Clive Nunggurgalu said the proposed marine IPA will protect culture and biodiversity.

“The new marine IPA will help protect the songlines that run along the coast from Groote Eylandt to Wuyagiba and better identify sacred sites that run along that songline,” Mr Nunggurgalu said.

“It will also help keep the beach clean and the water looking clean to save all the turtles, dugong, fish, and dolphins.

“And hopefully it will help stop illegal commercial fisherman. All the time when I do beach clean-up I see all their dead excess fish on the beach.”

The area contains biodiverse marine and coastal environments including large areas of seagrass meadows, fringing coral and rocky reefs, tidal waterways, mangrove forests, saline wetlands, beaches, islands and quays.

Former Northern Land Council SEAL IPA Coordinator Catherine Whitehead said members of the SEAL IPA Advisory Committee have worked hard to bring this project to fruition.

“The committee members have been working on this sea country IPA proposal for some years,” said Ms Whitehead, who now works at the Tiwi Land Council.

“Extensive consultation and planning was put into this and the members are proud that their application was successful.”

Ms Whitehead said the new funding will enable the ranger groups to provide further training opportunities and employ more rangers.

“The new sea country IPA will bring in additional funding which will provide support for both the Numbulwar Numburindi and Yugul Mangi Ranger groups to increases their capacity to protect their sea country.

“This additional funding will also enable the groups to employ more rangers in Numbulwar and Ngukurr.”

Ms Whitehead said of the first projects to be undertaken will be a collaborative project with researcher scientists from Charles Darwin University and James Cook University.

“The researchers will collect baseline data for seagrass habitat coverage along the coast and other important marine habitat for listed marine species and cultural significant species including dugong and turtles.”

Meet the Roper River's newest Fisheries Inspectors

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 00:14:40 GMT

Yugul Mangi Rangers Clarence Rogers and Julie Roy were appointed as Class I Fisheries Inspectors in June after completing the Certificate III in Fisheries Compliance.

The pair spent the day finalising their practical induction training at Tomato Island with staff from the NT Fisheries Marine Ranger Support unit before receiving their induction certificates and Inspector authority cards.

The Yugul Mangi Rangers regularly patrol along the Roper River near their base at Ngukurr, assisting with local monitoring and surveillance of coastal waters and providing a visual presence on the water. They play an important role in educating local and visiting fishers.

Clarry and Julie will now have the power to enforce fishing compliance by recording evidence, collecting details, asking to see licences and permits and inspecting fishing gear in use.

Julie is the second Indigenous female to be appointed as a Class I Fisheries Inspector in the NT.

“I’m so proud of myself for finally getting this. I started [as a ranger] way back in 2001.

“I hope to carry on and be a role model for the future kids, helping them learn on country,” said Julie.

Regional Program Manager Mike Carmody said he is pleased that there are now two NLC women rangers with Fisheries Inspector qualifications.

“This sends a message to everyone that women rangers can do all the jobs that male rangers can do. It speaks to their perseverance and consistent effort,” said Mr Carmody.

Clarry said his appointment as a Fisheries Inspector has given him a lot of hope for the future, and he is encouraging other Yugul Mangi Rangers to carry out the training as well.

“Three of them will be doing their Certificate III Fisheries Compliance course, then they will also become Class I Fisheries Inspectors, hopefully next year.

“Thanks to the support from the Northern Land Council, Fisheries, Water Police, my family and the Ranger group,” said Clarry.

NT Fisheries Marine Ranger Support Manager Simon Xuereb said the partnership between NT Fisheries and the Yugul Mangi Rangers will help to address concerns that Traditional Owners have been expressing for years.

“This is the opportunity to empower Aboriginal people under the Fisheries Act to not only assist themselves but also assist the department to maintain the sustainability of fish stocks,” said Mr Xuereb.

Submission on the NIAA draft Indigenous Ranger Sector Strategy 2022-2028

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 04:44:51 GMT

The Northern Land Council (NLC) welcomes this opportunity to provide a submission on the Indigenous Ranger Sector Strategy 2022-2028 - Consultation Draft.

We applaud the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) in acting on the need for an overarching, long-term strategy to strengthen this growing industry sector and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to set the direction of the programs, monitor and evaluate their achievements and adaptively manage this maturing industry sector.

A Northern Territory by other names would sound much sweeter

Tue, 03 May 2022 00:11:23 GMT

About 25 years ago former NLC Director, the late John Ah Kit, envisaged a much changed landscape for the NT—where Aboriginal place names would be recognised along the whole stretch of the Stuart Highway.

It is a dream which may finally be realised as the NT Government - and its Place Names Committee - is actively seeking Aboriginal input to naming places, streets and localities with traditional language names.

With the exception of the dual naming of Karlu Karlu, south of Tennant Creek, there is not a single Aboriginal place name signposted along the Stuart Highway - let alone our other major highways.

Indeed, many of the rest stops along the highway commemorate non-Aboriginal people. No Aboriginal place names? We know there are thousands.

And, of course, there is Attack Creek.

Around 30 years ago, while working in Katherine, Mimi Arts and Crafts got a $3600 grant from the Tourist Commission to signpost 18 place names in and around the township. A fair bit of money back then. The result? The then Katherine Town Council went feral - and refused to allow it to happen. Indeed, a prominent councillor said: “It’ll only encourage people to take a shotgun to them, and I might be the first one to do it!”

This, of course, was during the Nitmiluk land claim, during which a senior claimant had shots fired over his head after giving evidence to the Land Commissioner.

The plan was quietly dropped.

But things, hopefully, are changing.

Take the example of the township of Elliott, for example.

Elliott? Named, according to the Place Names Register: “The suburb of Elliott takes its name from the town of Elliott which in turn derived its name from the military staging camp established half way between Darwin and Alice Springs in 1940, during World War II by Captain Reginald Douglas Elliott MBE of the Darwin Overland Mobile Force. It became known as ‘Elliott’, so the name is perpetuated by naming the townsite ‘Elliott’.”

So, according to this story, a bloke who spent a few months in the area supervising an army camp 70 odd years ago gets the glory, while the traditional name for the area- Kulumindini - is lost to the world.

Maybe not. Recent meetings of the Traditional Mudburra-Jingili Owners have agreed to call for Elliott to revert to its name of Kulumindini, and instructed the NLC to chase it up.

After all. The local footy side is called Kulumindi, as is their art centre - not to mention the name of one of their most famous rock bands.

A number of Aboriginal communities have already successfully applied to have street names re-badged in language - and don’t forget both Uluru and Nitmiluk, along with other place names, have successfully been changed to names Traditional Owners and community residents want.

Chaired by historian Sam Wells, the Place Names Committee is finalising a straightforward process for the dual naming, re-naming and naming of places with Aboriginal names.

In the case of new housing developments in towns, there is a strong emphasis on consulting Traditional Owners to promote local names, including the names of prominent Aboriginal people. Ms Wells has been talking to the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority, and land councils, about the process.

So, if readers are interested, you can contact the Place Names Committee at or talk to Areas Protection or NLC staff who can give you a hand.

*The author, Chips Mackinolty, has recently been appointed as a community member to the NT Place Names Committee.

Ancient plants get new home in epic relocation mission

Mon, 02 May 2022 07:01:30 GMT

The Kenbi Rangers have successfully extracted and relocated nearly 150 cycad plants from the Finniss Lithium project site, protecting the plants from possible destruction.

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THE precious plants were identified by rangers conducting cultural heritage monitoring work on Core Lithium’s proposed mine site on the Cox Peninsula near Darwin last October.

Kenbi Rangers, together with the team at EcOz Environmental Consulting, decided to move the 147 Cycas armstrongii to safer grounds.

It took six rangers, a Bobcat, an excavator, weeks of meticulous planning and three days of hard work to carefully lift the cycads out of the ground and transplant them to their new location.

Kenbi Ranger Co-ordinator Steven Brown said the rangers have previous experience with transplanting cycads - in 2016 they relocated plants as part of the Ventia Remediation project on Cox Peninsula.

He said a great deal of care was taken during the salvage operation, including keeping the root systems intact and identifying the correct soil for their new home.

“Taking on this task was a huge job, but the Kenbi Rangers pride themselves on doing jobs that others believe cannot be done,” said Mr Brown.

One month on, the success of the cycads’ relocation was already evident.

“We have been back to the site on a number of occasions and derive enormous satisfaction in seeing the regrowth of new leaves after such a short time,” said Mr Brown.

Core Lithium has since told Mr Brown that the relocated cycads have had an 87 per cent regrowth success rate.

Although found in abundance in the Darwin region, this species of cycad is classified as ‘vulnerable’ under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act. Cycads as a plant group have outlived the dinosaurs and many of the species found in the NT cannot be found in any other part of Australia, according to the NT Herbarium.

Besides preserving these unique plants, the Kenbi Rangers are conducting other environmental and cultural protection work on the mine site, including water quality monitoring, weed spraying and sand bagging for flood water damage prevention.

Core’s 175,000 tonnes per annum Finniss Lithium Project is due to open in late 2022. In March, the Australian miner announced it had locked in a deal to supply lithium spodumene concentrate to Elon Musk’s electronic vehicle company Tesla over four years.

Core Lithium Managing Director Stephen Biggins said the company is “thrilled to have reached this agreement with Tesla.

“Tesla is a world-leader in electric vehicles and its investment in offtake and interest in our expansion plans for downstream processing are very encouraging,” said Mr Biggins.

Talking history: 'It's important to know the stories'

Sat, 30 Apr 2022 06:57:45 GMT

Dhämbiŋ Burarrwaŋa has been a part of the Learning on Country (LoC) Program since 2016 and has been integral to the success of the program in Galiwin’ku.

This year is her last as a LoC Galiwin’ku Cultural Advisor because she will be moving back to Maṯa-Maṯa soon, to be closer to her family and support the Homelands Learning Centre.

“When I was born, I was wrapped in paperbark to keep warm. My mother and father and family stayed at Lathaŋaŋur, on the long beach called Waḻitŋurra. It was there that my father gave me the the names Lathaŋa and Beyalŋa.

My family put me into a canoe my father had made and paddled back down the peninsula to the homelands at Maṯa-maṯa. We had two canoes, one called Djulpan and the other called Bamaduka.

My father had four brothers, three of them travelled with us everywhere. My father had seven wives: Djulka, Dhopi, Gulanu, Gopayurmi, Matjunaru, Yundurrŋu and Wapulkuma.

When I was a young girl I would travel around with my parents to different places and I would help my father make fire and do things. I would sit on my father’s knee and he would tell me stories about his life and our family and the Country.

At the different times of the year we would travel to different places and there we would learn the names of the Country and the stories of the places.

When I was a girl I learnt about the places that I was related to and the place called Bawaka – my family home. I learnt about Ŋapinya which is my mother’s homeland. I learnt about Maṯa-maṯa, my grandmother’s land and I learnt about my mother’s mother’s mother’s land, and Gurrumuru my sister’s Country.

When I was a teenager I moved to Galiwin’ku, where I went to school and made lots of friends. My girlfriends and I would go for walks after school; we learnt about friendship and each other’s Country and each other’s lives. We would learn about the flowers and plants, and the seasons, animals, fish and maypal (shellfish) of this place.

Later, when I was a little older, the science teacher, Ian Morris, would take us out to learn about the animals of Galiwin’ku. It was here at Galiwin’ku that we first came into contact with Balanda and here we learnt about the Balanda law and rules.

When I was a girl I was promised to my husband. In a ceremony the husband came to my mother and father and they made a promise of me for when I grew up. This is the way that we all were married when I was a girl and I was happy to be married in this way.

I have followed the law and cared for my husband and our children. We have one daughter and two sons.

When I left school I began to work at the Gracella Sewing Centre with sister Buṯanbil, and later I became a teacher and worked on the Homelands at Maṯa-Maṯa.

I worked as a teacher at Galiwin’ku and then I worked for Red Cross and for Yalu, teaching young women how to be better mothers as part of the Indigenous parenting service. I also worked for the Galiwin’ku Women’s Space and volunteered for the family violence group.

Later I started work as a Miyalk (female) Ranger and then the school outreach work, teaching children about their Country, before starting work with the Learning on Country program.

The Learning on Country Program is a way for me to teach children about their relationship to Country, to sea, to the freshwater and to the bush. I can talk to them about their relationships to the animals, plants, birds, and fish of the Country they live in. I can tell them about the seasonal availability of bush resources and the return of certain kinds of animals in the year. I tell children about when to light fires and whose Country it is. Most importantly I teach children about their relationship to each other and the Country that they live on.

What is most important are the stories of the Country. All of the different countries have stories and languages and colours and dances and ceremonies. These dances and ceremonies and colours are linkages that tie all the people of this place together and to the land. It is a network of links to our ancestors and their stories and their creations that make us all one people.

It is these understandings about the importance of our myths, legends, languages that are so critical. This is the work that I do because I understand how important it is to be related to Country and to know the stories of Country.

Meet NLC’s new Kakadu Joint Management Officer Natasha Nadji

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 06:53:38 GMT

Ms Nadji is the NLC’s new Kakadu Joint Management Officer. She sat down with Land Rights News to share stories with us about her family, growing up on country and her hopes for the future of Kakadu National Park.

“I am Natasha Nadji, known as Tash to friends and family. I am a descendant of Bill Niedjie and Jonathon Nadji, we are Bunitj and Gaagadju people. I am also a descendant of Raidar Nesset and Sharon Auld, my Norwegian descended family.

I grew up in Jabiru and at Cannon Hill Outstation, both places are held dear to my heart. I attended the school in Jabiru, this is where I gathered the skills to communicate with those outside of my family group.

Cannon Hill is my first home, this is the country my fathers’ family comes from. This is where I go to heal myself and my family, the country calls us home when we are gone for too long.

I am so privileged to have a place that I can come back to and know I am safe and can provide for my family. I am lucky that our families fought to keep this country what it is today, also proud to have learned from some of our great leaders. Growing up out here I was taught to uphold the laws of our cultures and to be strong for our people, I am grateful to have been given this knowledge of our fathers’ country and laws.

I believe my role as the new Joint Management Officer is to support the Traditional Owners in the management of the park and to help them maintain this connection to country and all stakeholders involved. To ensure that all parties are adhering to the laws of the Section 19 Act and all other complexities, to help ensure that the cultural knowledge passed on by Traditional Owners is always protected and kept within the right clan groups. I hope to help our people become a stronger force so our communities can become self-sustaining in all aspects of life.

In this position I am looking forward to working closely with all the family groups with ties to the management of the park, I hope that we can all work together to overcome some of the hurdles that have slowed down progress on country and within the clans; Covid-19, sorry business, clan successions, seasonal work and much more.

With all the amazing work that has already been done I realise this is a big journey for everyone, I am proud to be taking this journey with them. This will strengthen the relationships between clan groups, I am hoping that others from our community take interest in similar positions throughout Kakadu. This has always been the hope for Kakadu’s future, Traditional Owners and families to prepare for when the lease is finally handed back to our community and outstations are being self-maintained and self-sufficient. This will help shape this position into what the Traditional Owners, stakeholders and community needs. Great teamwork will achieve great outcomes.

As a former ranger and a Traditional Owner I hope to see a future of Traditional Owners running and managing their own businesses, and generations working continuously on their homelands. I want to see the country taken care of the way my father and my generations have, with no restrictions to cultural practices and responsibilities. Agreements upheld and fulfilled with support and respect for each other, that have realistic outcomes for future families to thrive.

I hope that when my great grandchildren are here in this world they get to experience the land, culture and family kinship that I am blessed with. I want to pass my knowledge on to the next generations knowing that they will be proud living the same way their ancestors did: sharing, caring and protecting this wonderful way of life. I will work hard to achieve this in my lifetime, I know others do too."

Water reforms needed: NLC calls on NT government to bring water management system into 21st century

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 06:50:04 GMT

The NLC has called on the NT government to bring its water management system into the 21st century and in line with its commitments to Aboriginal Territorians.

Water is precious. Often we don’t appreciate it until our tap water turns brown, bores dry up, rivers stop running or fish start dying.

Last week the Northern Land Council responded to the Northern Territory Government’s Strategic Water Plan Directions Paper – and we called for substantial reform.

The NT is at a crossroads.

We either continue on the established path doing things in the same way again and again, but hoping for a different outcome. Or we can recognise our water management system in the NT is broken.

It needs to change - our land and waters, and every living thing that relies on them, are at risk.

We need to be unafraid to make a change.

What does this new path look like? Firstly, policies, laws and decision making processes must include us - Aboriginal people.

In the words of the late musician Dr Yunupingu, words are easy, words are cheap.

We hear from government that they want to work with Aboriginal people but we don’t see this in practice. For too long bureaucrats and politicians have been endorsing policies and laws that fail to recognise that meaningful engagement and shared decision making are necessary parts of being accountable.

When our knowledge of country and western science are combined, the benefits can be immense.

We’ve seen with reduced hot bushfires in the NT. Could a similar approach for water reap immeasurable benefits?

We have proven we can work together. Where we work together is where you’ll find healthy country - the least polluted water ways and flood plains.

Right across the NT, Aboriginal land and sea rangers are managing biodiversity and biosecurity for the benefit of all Territorians.

In our response to the Government, we propose a future where water licensing and management decisions are not made by one person – the NT’s Water Controller - who must juggle the responsibilities that come with being the head of a mega-government department and the discretionary power to make water licensing decisions.

Instead, decisions about water licensing and management should be made by an independent water commission - with trust, transparency and accountability at the forefront.

Instead of the disconnected approach we have today - where land and water are planned for and managed separately - decisions about country should be made as a whole. Government must empower communities to take a leading role.

A series of management bodies should be established across the NT. These bodies would be tasked with the planning and coordination of land, water and biodiversity across their catchment.

This way, Aboriginal people would have a voice in how country is managed.

We want a future where all Territorians have access to a safe and sustainable water supply, including people living remotely.

Not only will this help keep our children healthy, but it will allow our old people to stay in their community to receive medical treatment.

Instead of receiving dialysis treatment while being isolated in town, there must be good enough water available out bush to make the dialysis machines work.

We now have an opportunity to set up a system that works for all Territorians – a system where Aboriginal landowner voices are heard and their caring for country practices are recognised; a system that leads the country.

If we don’t choose the right path, we will face a future that no Territorian wants to see.

The Northern Land Council’s submission on the NT Strategic Water Plan Directions Paper is available at nlc.org.au.

Land Rights News: March 2022

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 06:05:34 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Read the latest Land Rights News - Northern Edition

Biosecurity Zones COVID-19 Exemption Form

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 01:06:07 GMT

From 3 February 2022 a person wishing to travel to or from an Aboriginal land/community area which is both within the designated area specified in the determination and in the NLC region will need to have an Exemption Form.

This form approved by an Authorised NLC Officer constitutes an exemption provided for by subsection 5(4) of the determination for the person listed on the form and any person travelling with them. This form and the unattested declaration only needs to be completed by one person within a travelling group; but all members of the group must have taken and received a negative result on a rapid antigen test.

Please download the form above and return the completed form (both pages) to covid-19@nlc.org.au.

If you have questions, please call the NLC Freecall number 1800 645 299.

Essential Worker or undertaking Essential Activities

If you are an Essential Worker (police, nurse etc) or undertaking Essential Activities you are automatically exempt from the Biosecurity Zone travel restrictions.

(i) health care (including vaccination or testing for COVID-19);

(ii) child care;

(iii) disability care;

(iv) aged care;

(v) education;

(vi) services relating to prevention of, or recovery from, domestic violence;

(vii) services relating to child protection;

(viii) policing services;

(ix) emergency services;

(x) essential local government services such as rubbish collection;

(xi) Centrelink;

(b) correctional services;

(d) operating, maintaining, repairing or replacing:

(i) equipment for providing electricity, gas, water, medical services, telecommunications services or broadcasting services; or

(ii) other essential infrastructure in the area;

(e) providing or delivering food, fuel or household or medical supplies in the area;

(f) providing postal services or delivering mail in the area;

(g) transporting freight to or from a place in the area;

(h) conducting, or taking part in, a sitting of a court or tribunal in the area;

(i) continuing the construction in the area of housing or transport infrastructure that was in progress immediately before the commencement of this instrument;

(j) carrying out mining operations, or operations ancillary to mining operations, in the area in a manner that is agreed with a human biosecurity officer so as to minimise the extent to which other persons in the area are exposed to the persons carrying out those operations;

(k) carrying out commercial primary production in the area in a manner that is agreed with a human biosecurity officer so as to minimise the extent to which other persons in the area are exposed to the persons carrying out the production.

For more information about Biosecurity Zones in the NLC area see here.

Biosecurity Zones are needed to slow the spread of COVID

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 01:01:52 GMT

The NLC welcomes the decision by the Commonwealth government, with the support of the NT government, to establish a series of Biosecurity Zones across the NLC area.

Chairman of the NLC, Samuel Bush-Blanasi supported the move.

“We’ve been getting calls for weeks now from traditional owners and community members right across the NLC area.

“They want to stop people coming in from outside. These Biosecurity Zones or ‘bubbles’ will help slow the spread of Covid out bush and give us more time to get more people their second and third jabs. We also have to get vaccinations for our kids 5 years old and up. School is back and they need to be vaccinated.”

Travel both into and out of Biosecurity Zones will be restricted. People will be free to move within each Zone. Public roads, freehold land and pastoral leaseholds are excluded.

“You can move around inside your own Biosecurity Zone but you can’t leave it without an exemption. This means that in Beswick and Barunga area where I am from, people will be able to travel from Beswick/Wugularr to Barunga or Bulman or Manyallaluk but not to Katherine or Mataranka. That’s the same for people in Katherine or Darwin – they won’t be able to travel into one of the Biosecurity Zone areas,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

“There will be exemptions but you will need an exemption form and a negative RAT test before you travel. But not if you’ve got the Covid – then you will have to isolate and stay in quarantine,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

All essential services will be able to leave and enter under strict COVID Safe Plans so that essential services like health, police, fuel and food to communities are maintained.

If people have medical or other emergencies they are automatically exempted to travel to hospital, for example, for treatment and to return.

At present the Biosecurity Zones will be in place for two weeks but may be extended. The boundaries of the Biosecurity Zones may be varied - expanded or reduced – depending on the spread of Covid and progress with vaccinations and booster shots.

“Nobody is safe unless you are double vaccinated with a booster,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

Download the Exemption Form here

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Biosecurity Zones?

The Biosecurity Zones are in five Local Government Authority (LGA) areas across the NLC region: East Arnhem, West Arnhem, Roper Gulf, Victoria Daly and West Daly. See detailed maps below.

How do people get an exemption?

For people wanting to return to country or leave a remote community inside a Biosecurity Zone, they will need to get an exemption from the NLC. NLC Regional Managers are available to help people inside Biosecurity Zones fill in the paperwork if they want to travel outside the Biosecurity Zone or from one Zone to another.

The form is available for download here.

Who approves Essential Workers?

Anyone entering a Biosecurity Zone to undertake an ‘essential activity’ will either have an automatic exemption or need to seek approval through the NT Government. For a list of Essential Workers/'essential activities' download here.

What about medical emergencies or hospital treatment?

An automatic exemption will apply to allow for travel for medical emergencies and hospital treatment and return.

Will existing permits already issued be continued?

Existing permits will continue.

Will police be enforcing compliance with people who break the rules?

Yes. NT Police have provided the 131 444 number to report someone suspected of non-compliance with quarantine or self-isolation requirements. The have also established an online reporting form here.

It is important to note that the Biosecurity Zones are not punitive but are an appropriate and proportionate response designed to slow movement and the spread of COVID, buying time for more vaccinations and boosters.

Biosecurity Zone Maps

Overview map and maps of all 5 Biosecurity Zones

Individual maps:

Northern Land Council congratulates Alan Young Najukpayi, OAM

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 00:39:26 GMT

The NLC congratulates Mr Young Najukpayi from Yarralin following the news that he has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).

Mr Young Najukpayi has selflessly devoted his life to his country, his culture and his people.

He has also provided many years of invaluable service in support of the activities of the NLC, particularly in relation to a number of claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act (ALRA) and the Native Title Act.

Mr Young Najukpayi’s evidence, knowledge, assistance and advice has been critical to the success of a number of land claims and matters and also to the preservation of knowledge of country and the maintenance of culture.

NLC Chair Samuel Bush-Blanasi did not hesitate to support Mr Young Najukpayi’s nomination when he was approached in 2021.

"I can think of no more worthy recipient for such an award than Mr Young Najukpayi, who has contributed so much to his people, country and the work of the Northern Land Council over many, many years," said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

“Mr Young Najukpayi is a humble man but he is one of the giants upon whose shoulders we all stand. It is only through the dedication and selfless commitment of people like Mr Young Najukpayi that we have got a lot of country back and kept our cultures alive.”

Speaking from Mr Young Najukpayi’s hometown of Yarralin, Mayor of the Victoria Daly Regional Council and Executive Councillor of the NLC, Brian Pedwell, said that the whole of Yarralin and the VRD district was happy for Mr Young Najukpayi today.

“We are all pleased to see that one of our countrymen has been honoured in this way. His recognition is long overdue and I know that I speak on behalf of everyone at Yarralin and right across the VRD when I send our heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to Mr Young Najukpayi, his family and countrymen and women,” said Mayor Pedwell.

A short biography of Alan Young Najukpayi

Mr Young Najukpayi was born in the early 1930s in the Natives’ Tent beside the hospital at the Victoria River Downs homestead and grew up in the “native” compound nearby.

He began working at the station just prior to the second world war, and worked at Moolooloo, Pigeon Hole, Centre Camp and Mount Sandford outstations on Victoria River Downs (VRD) station, along with other stations further west.

On a number of occasions he worked as a drover, twice travelling to Queensland and pushing cattle to VRD’s Wyndham meatworks in the east Kimberley district a number of times.

In more recent years, Mr Young Najukpayi’s evidence, knowledge, assistance and advice has been critical to the success of a number of resolved and continuing land-related claims and matters under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act (ALRA) and the Native Title Act.

These include, but are not limited to, the Jasper Gorge – Kidman Springs Land Claim (ALRA 1990) and the Wickham River Land Claim (ALRA 2009).

Mr Young Najukpayi’s evidence and knowledge of country has been crucial in the Victoria River Native Title Claim (ongoing).

In that claim he contributed to a map that will form a key element of the claim and has been described by the NLC staff anthropologist as ‘astonishing’ in its detail, breadth and scale.

Mr Young Najukpayi has also contributed extensive mapping of the cultural elements of southern portion of the Judbarra-Gregory National Park and to the Judbarra-Gregory National Park Plan of management.

Mr Young Najukpayi’s keen and enduring determination to see justice for his people extends not just to matters relating to land, law and culture but also to living and working conditions.

In 1972 Mr Young Najukpayi was instrumental in the strike by Aboriginal stockmen at the Victoria River Downs pastoral leaseholding in protest against working for rations, and demanded they receive proper pay and conditions and a return of their ancestral lands.

Those lands were not returned to them until the conclusion of the Wickham River Land Claim, when land in and around the Yarralin community was returned in 2016.

Over the course of many years Mr Young Najukpayi has also contributed to extensive recording and registration of sacred sites while working with the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA).

Mr Young Najukpayi has also been a long-term collaborator with anthropologist Deborah Bird-Rose on her books Dingo Makes Us Human: Life and Land in an Australian Aboriginal Culture (2000); and Hidden Histories: black stories from Victoria River Downs, Humbert River and Wave Hill Stations (1991); and as a collaborator with author and historian Darryl Lewis on his book A Wild History: Life and Death on the Victoria River Frontier (2012).

Submission on the NT Government’s Strategic Water Plan Directions Paper

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 04:47:16 GMT

The NLC has made a submission to the NT Government on the Strategic Water Plan Directions Paper, calling for Aboriginal people to be taken seriously in water management arrangements across the NT.

Feedback from the community and stakeholders on the Directions Paper will be used by the Government to develop the Strategic Water Plan which will set the agenda for water management through to 2050.

Northern Land Council: we need water management systems for this century, not the last one

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 00:51:48 GMT

The NLC calls on the NT government to bring its water management system into the 21st century and in line with its commitments to Aboriginal Territorians.

NLC Chair Samuel Bush-Blanasi says it is time Aboriginal people were taken seriously in water management arrangements across the NT. “We know our country, we are part of our country and we must be part of decisions that affect us. For us, water is life,” he said.

Mr Bush-Blanasi’s comments follow the NLC’s submission in response to the NT government’s Strategic Water Plan Directions Paper.

“No one in the Territory wants us to end up in a situation like they have in the Murray-Darling Basin and this is the government’s chance to make sure we avoid similar catastrophes here in the NT. There are a lot of people greedy for our water out there,” Mr Bush-Blanasi said.

Mr Bush-Blanasi said the government’s directions paper for a Strategic Water Plan for the next 28 years - until 2050 - does not go far enough to protect our precious water resources for future generations. It is not innovative, it ignores the government’s own commitments to engage and consult and the decision makers are just not held accountable.

“What we need is a new approach of integrated land and water management across the Territory with a series of local stakeholder committees. We say the controversial position of Controller of Water Resources should be scrapped in favour of a truly independent Water Commission and the NT’s outdated Water Act should be the subject of a root-and-branch review,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

“We repeat our call – that we’ve been making for years - for government to make sure safe and reliable drinking water is available to all Territorians, including those living in remote communities where the water supply often isn’t fit for purpose.

“Substandard water quality and water infrastructure is unacceptable in this day and age and we call on the government to make improved water infrastructure and quality for Aboriginal Territorians a priority, not an afterthought,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

Feedback to the NT government on the Directions Paper closes on 4 February 2022 and the NLC urges Territorians to have their say at the NT government Strategic Water Plan Directions Paper website.

To read the NLC's submission in response to the NT government's Strategic Water Plan Directions Paper see here .

An update on NLC meetings and offices

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 00:32:50 GMT

The NLC's Accountable Authority* has issued a Direction to NLC staff that all meetings scheduled by the NLC will be postponed until further notice.

The NLC’s elected councillors and many constituents have clearly expressed to us that they want to stop all NLC meetings until the COVID-19 situation stabilises.

Further, the NLC has directed staff that, wherever possible, they work from home.

These steps are taken because there is a risk that staff and constituents who come together for an NLC meeting could give one another COVID-19 even if the NLC takes every precaution such as rapid antigen testing, mask wearing, hand-washing and social distancing.

The NLC is mindful of its fundamental duty to take whatever measures are reasonably available to help protect the lives and interests of its staff, the many people and organisations with whom we work and most importantly, traditional owners and residents on Aboriginal land.

The NLC supports the NT Government’s efforts to effectively manage the outbreak of COVID-19 in Aboriginal populations, including by complying with the lockouts and other measures ordered by the Chief Health Officer (CHO) under emergency declarations made pursuant to the Public and Environmental Health Act 2011 (NT).

NLC staff members have been encouraged to examine alternative ways of facilitating consultation with constituents, including through virtual meetings via teleconference or videoconference.

The NLC will monitor the ongoing COVID-19 situation in the Top End on a daily basis and will revoke or vary the Direction as soon as conditions allow.

The NLC will make every effort to continue to provide services during this time.

A free-call number and contact numbers for the NLC’s Regional offices are included below.

As these offices may be short-staffed during this time we ask you to be patient.

* The NLC’s Accountable Authority consists of the Chairman, Mr Samuel Bush-Blanasi and the CEO, Mr Joe Martin-Jard as required under Section 46 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013.

“Stay Calm, Stay Safe, Stay on Country and Care for Family.”

Land Rights News: December 2021

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 06:11:05 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Read the latest Land Rights News - Northern Edition

‘Helping the sawfish survive’: How an NLC ranger group is saving one of the most threatened shark species

Sun, 19 Dec 2021 06:44:29 GMT

THE critically endangered sawfish of the Daly River are being given another chance to survive, thanks to a rescue mission undertaken by the NLC’s Malak Malak ranger group in partnership with Charles Darwin University (CDU) and the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS).

Ten years ago, senior Malak Malak Traditional Owners identified the danger that many sawfish juveniles (called “pups”) were facing each dry season by becoming trapped in receding waterholes on the Daly River floodplain.

The Malak Malak Rangers have since been undertaking annual patrols of their floodplain country as floodwaters recede and waterholes dry up. The sawfish they find trapped in the drying billabongs are carefully moved into the main river channel so they do not run out of water and die in the evaporating pools.

The rescued pups, usually between 1.1m and 1.3m long, are caught by hand and measured before being placed in a tank for transportation to the Daly River. They are then tagged for future monitoring and have tissue samples taken for genetic studies.

AMCS scientist Dr Leonardo Guida, who accompanied the Rangers on a recent rescue operation, said the juvenile sawfish faced multiple threats from fishing, water extraction, and the climate crisis.

“Northern Australia is one of the last strongholds left on the planet for sawfish so we are proud and delighted to be partnering with the Rangers and CDU on these important missions,” said Dr Guida.

“The Top End is a global ‘lifeboat’ for four of the world’s five sawfish – dwarf, green, largetooth and narrow – but even here they still face threats from fishing practices like gillnetting, water extraction from rivers to support industry, and the impacts of global heating.”

According to National Geographic, largetooth sawfish were once present in 75 countries but are now only known to exist in 20. Many of the remaining sawfish habitats lie within Aboriginal Land Trusts.

Senior Malak Malak ranger Aaron Green said 17 pups were successfully rescued this dry season. In total, the Malak Malak rangers have rescued 77 sawfish juveniles from receding waterholes.

“It is incredibly rewarding knowing that we’re actually helping the sawfish survive, especially because they’re an endangered species,’’ said Mr Green.

“To help out as many as we can each year from dying in a stranded billabong is really good.”

‘I gotta work’: Hearing loss hasn’t held back thriving Wagiman Ranger

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 06:40:15 GMT

Hearing loss hasn’t stopped Arthur Muggleton from being one of the NLC’s most dedicated rangers. The 49-year-old has been working on Wagiman country for over a decade and has no plans to stop anytime soon.

Hearing loss hasn’t stopped Arthur Muggleton from being one of the NLC’s most dedicated rangers. The 49-year-old has been working on Wagiman country for over a decade and has no plans to stop anytime soon.

“He can’t talk, but he can understand what we’re telling him, he can pick it up,” Theresa Bandison – Arthur’s mother – told Land Rights News.

“He understands what they are telling him he gotta do at work. And he work hard too.”

Theresa and Arthur were sitting side-by-side and going over maps of Wagiman country when Land Rights News caught up with the pair at the ranger base outside Pine Creek in the Katherine region.

Despite needing to attend numerous medical appointments due to his hearing loss, Arthur has only had one day off since the beginning of the year, Theresa explained.

“Arthur loves coming to work. I say, ‘do you want a holiday?’ he say ‘no mum, I gotta work’.”

The Wagiman Rangers operate on the Wagiman Land Trust, which spans over 130,000 hectares – almost the size of Litchfield National Park. Work for the rangers includes weed and feral animal management, fencing for protection of culturally significant or sacred areas, and large-scale fire management.

While Arthur’s hearing impairment prevents him from speaking in the conventional sense, over the years he’s developed a system that allows him to communicate with family and his colleagues by using hand gestures, lip reading and short sentences.

Wagiman Ranger Daphne Huddleston says she’s enjoyed working closely with Arthur since he became a ranger over 10 years ago.

“Arthur listens a lot. He understands what we’re saying, and he’s a good worker too,’’ said Daphne.

“When he is told to go cut the grass, he do it. He goes quick and gets whipper snipper, even he go on the ride-on mower, he’s really good at it.”

When asked what Arthur loves about his job he demonstrated weed spraying and putting safety equipment on his head.

Wagiman Ranger Coordinator Carl Joswig said Arthur enjoyed the chemical training that the group had completed a week ago.

“Chemicals – and fire – are dangerous for all of us. That’s why training is so important,” said Carl.

Arthur and his colleagues were trained in the handling, transporting and mixing of chemical herbicides for weed spraying. This training enables rangers to effectively treat different weed species that spread through Wagiman country, such as Gamba, Mimosa pigra and bellyache bush.

The Wagiman Rangers are also in the process of completing their Certificate II in Government (Ranger Compliance Support). This training course was developed by the NLC to give Aboriginal rangers the skills to effectively report non-compliant activity on their land such as illegal entry, hunting and ‘pet-meating’.

Rangers are often described as the ‘eyes and ears’ of country - they keep a watch out for non-compliant activity and report back to NLC if it needs to be investigated.

Besides compliance work, on a daily basis they also observe biodiversity and water quality and know when country is being impacted, for example, by erosion, ‘bad fire’, over hunting or pollution.

Carl said Arthur enjoys being on country and recalls a time when they were driving through the bush and came across a gorge, which they explored on foot.

“There were some beautiful waterfalls there… I took some pictures of Arthur looking around, I could tell that he loved being there in that bush.

“Then we were at the top of the big hill… and Arthur’s saying something and I’m going ‘what’s he saying?’

“He was pointing, trying to explain that looking that way it’s all Wagiman country and that he loves it.”

Meet ‘Nindi’, the Bulgul Rangers’ new boat

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 06:35:37 GMT

THE Bulgul Rangers launched their Healthy Country Plan and their new boat on October 27.

A crowd of about 50 locals and visitors gathered at the Bulgul Ranger Base, which is on the Wadjigan and Kiuk Traditional Lands.

NLC CEO Joe Martin-Jard said it was great to get an update on the activities of the Bulgul Land & Sea Rangers.

“It was good to hear the challenges, because we can turn them into opportunities, get more funding, more jobs, more resources for rangers,” he said.

“Rangers are probably one the best things that the NLC and the CLC does. You’re not only doing the work for your own families, your own people and country, but you’re doing it for Australians.”

“I’ve read the plan ‘Looking after Wadjigan and Kiuk Country 2021-2031’, you’ve done an awesome job, and we’ll be backing you guys in to follow that plan.”

Bulgul Ranger Coordinator Timothy BurrBurr said Nindi will be a vital tool in helping the Bulgul Rangers look after their sea country and he explained to the crowd how the boat got its name.

“I’ve always thought I wanted to play homage to my grandfather who was travelling through this country when I was a kid. I’m 42 now, so it wasn’t that long ago,” he said.

“They were still travelling in a canoe. They used to travel all through this area right up to Darwin in a canoe, and that canoe was named Nindi. I think it’s a good omen for us, we’ll get protected and stuff like that, which is what the dances will do for us before we put it out on the water. That canoe took my family all through this country and I’m proud of it.

Nindi will do us well, especially with our compliance, it’s a boat to be proud of and it will stand out and put us on the map as well. A lot of people fish in this area, and the presence we’ll have out there will give us an opportunity for education and to build those relationships with other people that come out and fish and enjoy this country.”

‘Almost 30 years in the making’: Native title holders celebrate recognition of rights in country

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 06:30:10 GMT

MORE than 20 people gathered at Kneebone Community, about 60km northeast of Kununurra, on 1 October to celebrate a Native Title determination in the Legune region.

More than 20 people gathered at Kneebone Community, about 60km northeast of Kununurra, on 1 October 2021 to celebrate a Native Title determination in the Legune region.

In 1994, the group of families from the Keep River area set up a campsite at Kneebone to help look after the Country with the consent of the senior Native Title holders of Goorbidjim Country.

During the 27 years of living in the area, the community have created housing, kitchen facilities, reticulation, ablution blocks, water security and fencing all by hand and without external financial assistance.

“The applicants have faced many hurdles to receiving the title to Kneebone Community Living Area however never faltered in their determination to see it through,” an NLC spokesperson said.

“Kneebone today is a lively, growing community that reflects the long term prosperity and viability of the Community Living Area.”

The NLC and police working together

Sun, 12 Dec 2021 06:24:38 GMT

Staff members of the Northern Land Council have been briefing new police recruit squads on the key compliance issues faced by land councils, Traditional Owners and communities across the Top End.

The squads included Frontline Auxiliary Stream 70, Constable Squad 142 and Aboriginal Community Police Officer Squad 27.

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi, Women’s Sub-Committee Chair Joy Cardona, Sea Country’s Jamie Damaso and Compliance Project Coordinator Carmen Taylor visited the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES) College in Darwin in August.

Topics of discussion included the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (ALRA), Aboriginal Lands Act (ALA), the Blue Mud Bay decision and illegal activities that commonly occur on Aboriginal land.

The visit in August was followed up with another presentation in October, which included presentations from Bulgul Ranger Coordinator Timothy BurrBurr and other NLC staff members. Several Wagiman Rangers from Pine Creek also attended the October session, where they shared a BBQ lunch with the new recruits.

Acting Senior Sergeant Matt Allen said all recruits appreciated the NLC’s attendance and contribution to their courses.

“Many of these recruits will be working in communities in the NLC regional areas so it is vital that they get a good understanding of the many facets of life and law out there,’’ said Senior Sergeant Allen.

The new recruits also completed a cross-cultural language unit where they were required to research and present on Indigenous languages spoken in the NT.

Marcellus Nurse, who is soon to be posted to Katherine, is a member of the Frontline Auxiliary Stream 70.

Mr Nurse said the language unit was a fantastic way for his team to prepare for community engagement during their posting.

‘’Our communities are comprised of many different cultures and people who speak and understand many different languages. So trying our best to engage with the community can help the NTPFES connect and understand all the different aspects of the different cultures, which can then help us with our job to serve and protect,’’ he said.

‘’As the NT is made up of 30 per cent Indigenous people – 60 per cent of whom speak their language at home and 90 per cent who live remote - we think these figures alone show how important our cultural competence and partnerships are within these communities.”

Mr Bush-Blanasi said he’s looking forward to continuing this partnership between police and the NLC.

“It’s good for the police recruit squads to build strong relationship with Rangers and Traditional Owners,” he said.

‘It’s a first for the Top End’: Cultural water needs project kicks off

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 06:20:02 GMT

IN a first for the region, the Northern Land Council is working with Traditional Owners, Wardaman Rangers and the Northern Territory Government to work out how much water is needed to protect cultural values in one of our significant rivers.

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Water is important for everyone – we all need water to drink, while plants and animals need water to live, grow and breed. Industries such as agriculture, horticulture and mining also need water to produce products.

Where water is in high demand, it is especially important that enough water is available to ensure culturally important places and cultural uses of water are protected now and into the future.

In partnership with Traditional Owners, Wardaman Rangers and the NT Government, the NLC has started working to determine how much water is needed to keep wetlands, springs, creeks and the Flora River flowing to make sure that cultural places always have the water they need.

The first step of the Cultural Water Needs Project is to identify the culturally important places along the Flora River. Some information about important places has already been collected and documented in plans like the Wardaman Indigenous Protected Area Management Plan and the Giwining-Flora River Joint Management Plan.

Information about other important water places has been collected during field visits this year.

The next step of the project is to determine what water is needed at those places during different times of the year.

In some cases, the stream or spring is small and Wardaman Rangers have worked with the NT Government to measure water flows. If it is safe to do so, Rangers use a pygmy meter to measure how much water flows through the stream or out of the spring every second.

In other cases, we need to work out how much water is flowing in large sections of the river. Where it is not safe to enter the water, a boat is used to measure the water flow.

Water samples are collected at all the sites and then taken to a laboratory in Darwin. Samples are then tested to make sure the water is healthy.

The project will continue into 2022 and the information collected will be used by Wardaman Traditional Owners to make sure the water needs of culturally important places are protected into the future.

It is hoped this will be the first of many projects to come with the NLC looking to commence cultural water needs projects in other areas over coming years.

Support our call to stop racist voter ID laws

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 05:04:23 GMT

As representatives of national Aboriginal and Torres Islander communities, members and organisations, we urge you to reject the proposed Electoral Legislation Amendment (Voter Integrity) Bill 2021 in its entirety.

Tell these Senators to say NO to the laws making it harder to vote

There are 3 Senators whose vote is most likely to control whether the Morrison Government can make these new laws that will make it harder for First Nations people to vote.

Their names and contacts are below.

Please email or call them, or both, asking them to reject these new, racist voter ID laws.

Stirling Griff

Email: senator.griff@aph.gov.au
Canberra phone: (02) 6277 3128
Adelaide phone: (08) 8272 7575
Twitter: @Stirling_G

Jacqui Lambie

Email: senator.lambie@aph.gov.au
Canberra phone: (02) 6277 3614
IG: @lambienetwork
Twitter: @jacquilambie

Rex Patrick

Email: senator.patrick@aph.gov.au
Canberra phone: (02) 6277 3785
Twitter: @Senator_Patrick

Read more about these new, racist, voter identification laws below.

An open letter to Parliament on the proposed voter ID Bill

25th November 2021

Members of the Australian Senate and
Members of the House of Representatives
Parliament House,
Canberra, ACT 2600

Dear Senators and members,

As representatives of national Aboriginal and Torres Islander communities, members and organisations, we urge you to reject the proposed Electoral Legislation Amendment (Voter Integrity) Bill 2021 in its entirety.

These laws are unnecessary and discriminatory. They will disproportionately impact the ability of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to vote and, if passed, will further disenfranchise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The laws are being introduced in a context where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people already face significant barriers to electoral participation. The national Indigenous enrolment rate, at 79.3 percent compares with 96.2 percent for all Australians, and falls to just 69 percent in remote areas, such as in the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Not only does the legislation fail to address discrimination that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have historically faced, and continue to face, it is based on a false premise. There is no evidence of voter fraud in Australia to warrant the introduction of such undemocratic measures. The Australian Electoral Commission has confirmed that there was almost no voter fraud at the last federal election and has stated that the introduction of the voter ID requirements is unnecessary.

Th e proposed Voter ID laws come on top of a refusal by the Australian Electoral Commission to use direct (automatic) enrolment in remote areas or otherwise provide sufficient remote enrolment support to lift Indigenous enrolment rates and address the significant challenges that people face in remote communities where polling may only last for a few hours.

The laws will only magnify and entrench that disadvantage. They will further diminish the voice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We urge you to reject this legislation in its entirety.

Joe Martin-Jard
A/ Chief Executive Officer
Northern Land Council

Samuel Bush-Blanasi
Chairman
Northern Land Council

OPINION: How to fix voter enrolment in the bush

The proposed Voter ID Bill being considered in Canberra is based on the falsehood that election fraud is a problem in Australia — it is a bad law, writes NLC chair Samuel Bush-Blanasi

Originally published in the Sunday Territorian 21 November 2021

THE future of democracy in the Northern Territory will be decided in faraway Canberra over the next two weeks.

The federal government’s Electoral Legislation Amendment (Voter Integrity) Bill 2021 is expected to move to the Senate before federal parliament rises for the long summer break.

The federal government wants the Voter ID Bill to be in place for the next election, due to be held by May next year.

The proposed Voter ID Bill is based on the falsehood that election fraud is a problem in Australia. It is not. It is a bad law.

There is no evidence of irregular voting or election fraud in the NT or anywhere else in the country.

On its face, the Voter ID legislation seems reasonable enough. Just as you would in many other areas of day-to-day life, when you go to vote you would need to show some identification. A driver’s licence, a passport, Medicare card etc.

But for many — if not most — Aboriginal Territorians that live in remote communities and homelands, the Voter ID legislation will provide yet another barrier to them exercising their democratic rights and responsibilities.

NLC Samuel Bush-Blanasi has condemned federal government moves to introduce voter ID laws. Picture Katrina Bridgeford.

Remote community enrolment is appallingly low. Why? One reason may be that the federal body charged with ensuring that Australians are enrolled to vote hasn’t done its job properly.

The Australian Electoral Commission (the AEC) maintains both the Commonwealth and NT electoral rolls. This means that the electoral rolls for all levels of government in the Northern Territory — Federal, Territory and local government — use the one roll produced and maintained by the AEC.

Earlier this year a complaint was made to the Australian Human Rights Commission about how the AEC maintains the NT’s electoral roll, particularly in respect of remote Aboriginal communities. The complaint was made by Matthew Ryan of Maningrida and Ross Mandi of Galiwin’ku, both Aboriginal communities in Arnhem Land that are respectively the sixth and eighth largest towns in the NT.

The nub of their complaint is that the AEC has discriminated against them — and their communities — by failing to properly apply a policy called direct enrolment designed to lift enrolment rates for all Australians.

Voter ID laws are being considered by the federal government.

The implementation of direct enrolment has seen a welcome lift in enrolments to around 97 per cent nationally.

Everywhere that is, other than in the remote areas of the NT and Western Australia that languish in the lowest enrolment rate band of around 75 per cent to 80 per cent – substantially lower than nationally.

The Voter ID Bill won’t do anything to fix the low enrolment rates in remote Australia before the next election.

But the following simple and straightforward suggestions will, both in the short-term — before the next election — and beyond.

Improve enrolment. The electoral law should be changed so that it is easier for remote, and other unenrolled people, to vote.

Use local agencies and organisations already in place in remote communities. Post offices, local councils, associations and corporations, ranger groups, not-for-profit organisations and CDP providers could be paid to provide enrolment services.

Apply the direct enrolment policy. There are affordable and effective ways to ensure that persons can be notified they are on the roll. The AEC should use direct enrolment before the next election.

Give people sufficient time to vote. Improvements must be made to how polling booths at larger communities and mobile polling for homelands and smaller communities operate.

The Northern Land Council will have more to say about measures that would help to maximise enrolment before the next election.

Any changes that diminish the democratic rights of one group of citizens in the NT diminish the rights of us all.

We welcome all Territorians — and all politicians, whether in local government, the NT parliament or in Canberra — to join the Northern Land Council in opposing the proposed Voter ID legislation.

Samuel Bush-Blanasi is the chairman of the Northern Land Council

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Negotiations over government's proposed voter ID laws | SBS News

NLC Annual Report 2020-21

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 04:33:19 GMT

The Northern Land Council Annual Report 2020-21 provides a comprehensive account of the Council's performance from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.

Voters in remote Aboriginal communities lodge discrimination complaint against Australian Electoral Commission

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 04:45:06 GMT

Compulsory voting in Australia has always had a racial taint. Most people would associate the term “voter suppression” with the many and varied electoral systems and “Jim Crow” laws in the United States or the operation of electoral systems by autocratic regimes, but not with the operation of Australian electoral regimes.

That all changed in June with the filing of a complaint that the national agency charged with the conduct of Federal elections and the maintenance of the Australian electoral roll was itself guilty of voter suppression based on race.

Non-Aboriginal Australians have had universal suffrage since 1902 and been required to enrol since 1911, and vote since 1924, but it took half a century - until 1962 - before the Commonwealth Electoral Act was amended to give Aboriginal people the right to vote in Federal elections.

For Aboriginal people enrolment was voluntary but once enrolled, voting was compulsory. Compulsory enrolment for Aboriginal people wasn’t legislated until 1984.

On 15 June two Aboriginal men - Matthew Ryan and Ross Mandi - filed a complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission (the AHRC) against the Australian Electoral Commission (the AEC) alleging that the AEC has effectively suppressed the Aboriginal vote in remote areas in the Northern Territory.

They claim the AEC has done this by failing to implement its own mandate that allows it to directly enrol eligible persons who are not on the electoral roll or to update personal details, by using electronic data readily and lawfully accessed from trusted government agencies, including motor vehicle registries, Centrelink and the Australian Taxation Office.

Mr Ryan lives at Maningrida and Mr Mandi lives at Galiwin’ku. Maningrida and Galiwin’ku are respectively the sixth and eighth largest towns in the NT with populations at the 2016 Census of 2,300 and 2,100.

Both are in the Federal seat of Lingiari which has an Indigenous population of 41.7 per cent, the highest of any electorate in the country.

As with many remote communities in the NT, Maningrida and Galiwin’ku have seen their populations grow by around 40 per cent since 2001.

The AEC policy at the core of the complaint concerns the performance of its functions under the Electoral Act in relation to the maintenance of the Commonwealth electoral roll - which is also used in NT Parliamentary elections.

In 2012 the policy, known as Federal Direct Enrolment and Update (FDEU), was developed following an amendment to the Electoral Act designed to arrest an ‘alarming’ downward-trending nation-wide drop in enrolments in 2009 to just over 91 per cent.

The FDEU has been lauded by the Australian Electoral Commissioner, Tom Rogers, who claims it produced ‘the best roll since Federation’ and was a ‘modern miracle’ for the 2019 Federal election with a 97 per cent enrolment.

The FDEU was not so miraculous however for those remote residents of Lingiari (which covers most of the NT apart from Darwin and the satellite city of Palmerston that together form the electorate of Solomon) and Durack in Western Australia which are both in the lowest electoral enrolment band of 75 to 80 per cent.

Most of the remote residents of Lingiari do not receive mail directly to their homes, i.e. by Australia Post, but do so through a community post office, by mail bag or post box.

Notwithstanding the absence of numbered letter boxes affixed to a neat white picket fence outside every house, one by-product of the Federal Intervention in the NT from 2007 to 2012 is that most larger communities in the NT now have accurately-surveyed house lots that are now incorporated into the NT’s land registration system.

Similarly, most remote housing is subject to tenancy agreements that identify the tenants for each house, which in turn are - perhaps less consistently - usually readily identifiable either by a locally-relevant house number visible from the street or by colours, i.e. “the blue house on Rainbow Street.” Street names and signs have been implemented in most remote communities as part of the “normalisation” regime of the NT Intervention.

Another complaint by Mr Ryan and Mr Mandi concerns the differential treatment for remote Aboriginal community residents in Lingiari where they were allocated a polling booth on or prior to polling day (usually serviced by remote mobile polling teams) that operated for a substantially shorter time than booths at similarly sized towns in the NT such as Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and Jabiru.

The Maritime Union of Australia and the United Workers Union supported the Arnhem Land men in lodging their complaint.

“The AEC must urgently change this discriminatory policy so that Indigenous people are better able to reach a ballot box during elections, and so they are no longer turned away at the ballot box en masse,” MUA national Indigenous Officer Thomas Mayor said.

A date for the conciliation of the complaint to the AHRC has yet to be set.

*First published at the Crikey.com.au blog, The Northern Myth on 21 June 2021

Bradshaw Traditional Owners welcome troops

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 04:38:09 GMT

Among the bulldust Bradshaw Field Training Area, ADF and US Marines complete Exercise Koolendong.

RESIDENTS of Timber Creek walked through the security gates of the Bradshaw Field Training Area (BFTA) in late August for a rare glimpse of weaponry used in the latest warfighting exercise involving Australian Defence Force soldiers and US Marines.

Bradshaw, the largest military training facility in the Southern Hemisphere, played host to Exercise Koolendong that brought 1000 US Marines from Marine Rotational Force-Darwin (MRF-D) together with 1000 Australian Army personnel.

The BFTA - one of the largest live-fire weapons training areas in the world - welcomed people from Timber Creek with displays of armoured personnel carriers, tanks, helicopters, mobile launching equipment, cannon, an Osprey and a robot dog.

Lorraine Jones, chairperson of the Bradshaw Liaison Committee, said Traditional Owners support BFTA because it creates jobs for local people and gives hope to future generations.

“It’s an eye-opener for kids to see the equipment and maybe one day they might join the army,” Ms Jones told Land Rights News.

“We are encouraging Defence to use our land because it brings jobs for our people. Defence does a good job and Aboriginal people benefit from it.”

Exercise Koolendong provided three months’ work for the Aboriginal owned Bradshaw & Timber Creek Contracting & Resource Company and its 18 employees.

The company provides trades and other services to the military through the Bradshaw Partnering Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA).

Australian Army Commanding Officer 1st Brigade Brigadier Ashley Collingburn said Defence’s relationship with the Traditional Owners of BFTA and across the NT is strong and based on respect, consultation and communication.

“BFTA is one of the largest live-fire weapons training areas in the world. Access to the land is vital to ensuring the Australian Defence Force maintains a world-class military able to respond when required and as directed by the Australian Government,” Brigadier Collingburn said.

MRF-D Commanding Officer Colonel David Banning thanked the Traditional Owners of Bradshaw for their hospitality and support.

“The Marines and Sailors of Marine Rotational Force Darwin are thankful for the continued opportunity to operate in the NT - made possible by the strong relationship that exists between the Traditional Owners of Bradshaw and the Australian Defence Force as evidenced by the Indigenous Land Use Agreement and our commitment to continuing consultation," he said.

“It is impossible to spend any time at Bradshaw and not be moved by the beauty and scale of the land. I am deeply appreciative of the meaning that the land that we are allowed to train on has for the Traditional Owner community. We are committed to continuing and deepening the consultative process with the Traditional Owners to ensure that our training practices respect traditions and location."

Mibala Histri - Barunga's history returns home

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 04:30:46 GMT

Tears, joys, hugs and laughter are shared after Barunga's community collection of photographs from the 1970s and 1980s were released at this year's festival in June.

THE NLC and Library and Archives NT (LANT) presented a collection of photographs from the 1970s and 1980s back to the Barunga community on behalf of a former Bamyili School teacher at this year’s Barunga Festival in June.

Ruth Jones was a teacher at Barunga School (formerly known as Bamyili School) from 1976 to 1981 and recently left the NT, donating her photos to LANT.

Her photographs, shot on a combination of black & white and colour film, document life at Barunga community 50 years ago.

The collection of 145 images, named Mibala Histri - Our History in Kriol - was gifted to the Barunga community on the night before the Festival opening through a slideshow presentation. There were tears, squeals and laughter as locals pointed out family members and reminisced on growing up in the community.

Tracey Camfoo and Anita Painter both attended Bamyili School and were pleased to receive the collection of photographs to use for safekeeping and as a time capsule for the community. For Tracey, seeing the photos brought back happy memories of her school days, and growing up with her elders.

"It reminds me of how they would teach us all the important things in life," she said.

Anita Painter now works as the Language & Culture teacher at Barunga School, teaching topics like clan groups, country and Traditional Land. She said she was looking forward to using the photo collection as a teaching resource, to show her students how life at Bamyili used to be and inspire them to want to learn differently.

"When we were growing up, we had a lot of strong leaders and elders. We had a deep respect for our elders back then. We had the opportunity to go out on country, and learn things out there instead of being in the classroom all the time," Ms Painter said.

"It’s going to be hard to get the new generations of kids taught the way I was taught because now we have only a few elders left. But with this book of old photos, just by looking at it, it gives the new generations a clear picture of what our school was like back then."

Barunga community members also had the chance to sit down and look through the printed collection with fellow former teacher Elizabeth Walker, who worked alongside Ruth Jones. "We didn’t even know that they had all these important photos, so we want to thank NLC and Library and Archives NT for keeping that and sharing it with us," Ms Painter said.

Native Title holders of Gulf Region pastoral leases celebrate at last

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 04:26:50 GMT

On 29 June, Justice White of the Federal Court of Australia made determinations of native title, by consent, for land and waters subject to the Lorella pastoral lease and former Nathan River and Billengarrah pastoral leases.

LOCATED 600km south-east of Darwin on the Gulf of Carpentaria, the former Billengarrah and Nathan River pastoral leases now form part of the Limmen National Park. The following groups’ native title rights and interests were recognised across these three areas: Burdal Riley; Murrungun Wunubari; Mambali Walangara; Wurdaliya Garambarini; Mambali Nangguya; Guyal Manaburra; Burdal Mingkanyi; Munnungun Baluganda/ Langgabany; Mambali Ngubayin; and Rrumburriya Ngurrmu/Jawuma.

For two decades these groups have been seeking to have their native title rights and interests recognised.

“The NLC congratulate the native title holders of the areas underlying Lorella pastoral lease and former Billengarrah and Nathan River pastoral leases,” said NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi.

This is the first time in the NT that a generic formulation of native title has been recognised over a national park, whereby native title rights and interests prevail over the interests of the national park, in the event of inconsistency. A spokesperson for the native title holders said they look forward to working with the NT Government to manage and care for the Limmen National Park.

In respect of the Lorella pastoral lease, which is subject to a significant tourism operation, the determination of native title provides the native title holders with a greater opportunity to participate in conversations about country.

A number of senior native title holders had planned to travel from Borroloola, Minyerri, Ngukurr and Numbulwar to attend the determinations in person but due to the Covid-19 restrictions this was not possible and Justice White made the determinations of native title via video-link.

During the video session he commended the native title holders for their “strong cultural knowledge, hard work and resilience” that led to the determinations of native title. These determinations of native title recognise that these groups have always had, and still have, a special relationship with and rights in the land subject to the Lorella Pastoral Lease and former Billengarrah and Nathan River pastoral leases.

Wuyagiba study hub offers pathways to university

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 04:23:08 GMT

A two-way learning program founded through a collaboration between South East Arnhem Land communities and MAcquarie University is proving to be a stepping stone to a tertiary education.

THE Wuyagiba Study Hub, known as the Bush Uni, is located at Wuyagiba outstation in South-East Arnhem Land, between the communities of Numbulwar and Ngukurr.

To reach the Hub you head along the Numbulwar Road and follow a rough and sandy track across floodplains, creek beds and stone country, past the buffalo and through grevillea and banksia scrub until you see the secluded coastline of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

The Hub is part of the Australian Government's Department of Education, Skills and Employment 'Regional Study Hub Program'.

This year the Hub is delivering a Certificate 1 in Mechanics (in partnership with Charles Darwin University) and two 10-week 'pre-university' courses of first year university level subjects (with Macquarie University).

The learning is two-way, with students taught courses based on both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal information. During their study, all students and staff live at the Hub. Accommodation and classrooms are beachside tents, which have been installed by the Hub’s staff and students.

The Bush Uni started in 2018 following years of planning by Elders, including the late Cherry Wulumirr Daniels OAM and former Ngukurr school principal Kevin Rogers and his wife Helen, with Emilie Ens from Macquarie University. That year, the Federal Government’s Department of Education released a Regional Study Hub funding package, with Wuyagiba being one of 23 hubs across Australia that was initially funded.

The Study Hub funding is administered locally by the Wuyagiba Bush Hub Aboriginal Corporation that was set up to run the Hub, in partnership with Macquarie University. Throughout the locally designed two-way pathway courses, students work from an evenly-split timetable. They engage in on Country learning with Elders, and learn academic skills, such as different writing styles, referencing, using Excel, mapping and online research, from Macquarie staff. Ms Ens, Wuyagiba Co-Leader and Macquarie University Senior Lecturer, said students thrive in the two-way learning system.

“We are trying to mimic university education in a culturally supportive context, so we do all the courses through the Macquarie University's online system," she told Land Rights News. "The students are exposed to that digital interface... it’s so foreign when they start out, but by the end they’re all over it."

Cultural units are taught by Mr and Mrs Rogers, Heather Ponto, Annette Daniels, Dean-Austin Bara and Cynthia Turner, as well as other local experts. The cultural units focus on traditional aspects of Aboriginal culture and Indigenous science.

"It seems old fashioned but it's very important that we maintain our cultural aspects," said Mr Rogers. "We teach them about bush medicine, bush tucker, fire, seasons, tribal relationships and all that. It’s pretty exciting, we’re doing a language revitalisation thing too."

Two new cultural units taught by the Wuyagiba team have been accredited through Macquarie University: South East Arnhem Land Caring for Country and Culture, and Indigenous Science. Both have full credit points that count towards a university degree once students graduate from the Bush Uni, just like the academic units taught at Wuyagiba, which are Academic Communication in the Social Sciences and Humanities, and Environment Skills.

'We teach them about bush medicine, bush tucker, fire, seasons, tribal relationships and all that. It's pretty exciting,' Kevin Rogers.

“That’s what this is all about - building both-ways skills and qualifications of local Aboriginal students so they can confidently run their communities," said Ms Ens. "Students can study and get certificates at Wuyagiba, and we support them if they want to continue with further study at University for a Bachelor degree so they can take on the big jobs in town.

We want to do as many units of study that we can at Wuyagiba so students spend more time on Country learning with Elders. But some specialist studies will need to be done on campus." At 18, Ritney Manggura is one of the youngest students at Wuyagiba. She wants to study law.

"I want to help families when they get stuck having problems with police," said Ms Manggura, who comes from the nearby community of Numbulwar.

Meanwhile, Russell Brian said he signed up to the 10- week course in the hope of gaining entry to Macquarie University’s business course. In the future, he'd like to start his own education hub at his family outstation at Bulukarduru, near Maningrida.

“I’m trying to get some of the ideas from here to take back to Maningrida so I can help the young people there to start learning both ways - whitefella way and blackfella way. That’s my hope - to be a community leader,” he said.

Wuyagiba's second 10-week course began in September. For the Bush Hub to grow, Mr Rogers said the facility needs new water tanks and an all-weather road into the community. He is optimistic that continued support from communities and Government funding will get them there. “I encourage all young Aboriginal people to come in, do their studies, get academic qualifications then come back and help the community," he said.

‘A great day’: Jabiru now in Mirarr hands

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 04:15:33 GMT

For four decades the Mirarr people have been calling for the town of Jabiru, inside Kakadu National Park, to be returned to its rightful custodians.

THE Mirarr Traditional Owners are "very happy and proud" that the long fight for recognition of Traditional Ownership at Jabiru has culminated in the grant of freehold title under the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act.

“This is a great day for Mirarr people,” said Mirarr Senior Traditional Owner Yvonne Margarula.

“The handing back of Jabiru to Mirarr recognises our land rights here and gives us economic independence. We are excited for the future of Jabiru and for the future of all our people,” she said.

At the ceremony in Jabiru on 26 June, NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi joined the Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt, Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley, local politicians and the community to officially grant the freehold title to the Mirarr.

“Today we celebrate a great event,” Mr Bush-Blanasi said.

“The return of the land Jabiru sits on to its Traditional Owners, the Mirarr people.

“Myself, and fellow NLC members, are proud to be part of the rightful handback of this land to the Mirarr. Correcting a deliberate act a generation ago to deny the Mirarr recognition of their land ownership under Balanda law.

“This is the first time that land, not already part of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act estate, has been returned to Traditional Owners for them to manage as a town; to be central to what happens on their land.

“I thank the Mirarr for allowing us to share this significant milestone with the wider community and I acknowledge their journey and connection to this country as the original custodians.”

The fight for land rights at Jabiru commenced in 1978 when the town was built on what was then Crown land without the involvement of Traditional Owners.

The senior Mirarr elder at the time, Toby Gangale, is the father of today’s Senior Traditional Owner Ms Margarula. In 1998, Ms Margarula lodged the Jabiru native title claim, which was decided by the Federal Court in 2016 after one of Australia’s longest-running native title matters.

At an early stage, the Mirarr confirmed their wish that Jabiru should become Aboriginal land and have a bright future as the centre for regional services, tourism and for all Kakadu.

Land Rights News: September 2021

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 05:23:20 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Read the latest Land Rights News - Northern Edition

Strong women's group calls for more female rangers at huge forum near Katherine

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 04:08:39 GMT

Over 280 women gathered at Banatjarl, south-east of Katherine, to attend the NT Strong Women for Health Country Network forum in May.

The women came together with the aim strengthening a network that strives to protect country.

“We are really happy to host this forum. This is really good and important to be meeting women from everywhere,” said Chiyo Andrews of Banatjarl Strongbala Wimun Grup.

“It’s important for us to come together, to make us strong together, share our voice and support all women caring for country and families. This is important work," Ms Andrews said.

Banatjarl is also known as King Valley and is a place of cultural significance for Jawoyn people.

For Banatjarl Strong Wimun Grup member and artist Shantelle Miller this year's forum was a chance to discuss sharing responsibility.

"It's important for making sure the land is looked after... the whole family is involved and that's how they keep country healthy.''

The forum brought together women from all over the NT, with some even making the journey across the WA border.

Senior Ranger Maureen Simon, her daughter Sophia Simon and her granddaughter Ashely Simon all attended the forum where they had the chance to talk about establishing their new women’s ranger group at Marralum near Kununurra.

“We have a lot of work to do to care for our country, with weeds and burning,” said Maureen Simon.

The Strong Women for Healthy Country Network started as a way to connect female rangers living in remote areas of the NT.

The first forum was held in 2019 at Bawurrbarnda, near Bulman in Central Arnhem Land.

This year, the number of attendees was nearly double, with membership expanded to include women working in domestic violence, the arts and as healers.

NT Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Selena Uibo joined the forum for a panel discussion, where participants called for more female rangers and stronger communication between government and communities.

"As government we need to hear that strong voice from community, particularly from strong Aboriginal women, of what communities and families need so we can support that," she said.

Land Rights News: June 2021

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 05:16:14 GMT

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Read the latest Land Rights News - Northern Edition

Flying the Aboriginal flag for the first time!

amy.hill@bellette.com.au (Amy Hill) — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 03:50:03 GMT

From 12 July, the exhibition 'Black, Red & Yellow: Unity and Identity' commemorating the 50th anniversary of the first raising of the Aboriginal flag will open at Library & Archives NT.

On a cold morning in Victoria Square in Adelaide the Aboriginal flag was flown for the first time on 12 July 1971 - 50 years ago.

The flag, designed by Luritja man, Harold Thomas, was raised on National Aborigines Day—four years before NAIDOC became an annual weekly celebration.

It was not until it was adopted—largely at the urging of activist Gary Foley—by the 1972 Aboriginal Tent Embassy in 1972 that it slowly became recognised as the flag representing all Aboriginal people in Australia.

The symbolic meaning of the flag colours (as stated by Harold Thomas) is:

Black – represents the Aboriginal people of Australia
Yellow circle – represents the Sun, the giver of life and protector
Red – represents the red earth, the red ochre used in ceremonies and Aboriginal peoples’ spiritual relation to the land

By the late 1970s/early 1980s it was increasingly being used by Aboriginal organisations and individuals in posters and murals, and by the early 1980s on T-shirts. From the early to mid 1980s Aboriginal artists were incorporating the flag in fine artwork. Land Rights News did not start depicting the flag until the mid-1980s.

But of course flags did not arrive with Europeans and the planting of the British flag on so-called Possession Island by Captain Cook. For many hundreds of years, in developing trade and ceremonial relationships with the Macassans, Aboriginal people from north, north-east and eastern Arnhem Land, along with Groote Eylandt, have incorporated flags in ceremonies.

In 1995 the Commonwealth Government recognised the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags as official Australian flags.

In 1997 the Federal Court recognised Thomas as the copyright holder in the flag’s design, which has caused considerable controversy as he has in recent times, via his licencees, increased pressure on many Aboriginal organisations to pay for use of the flag on t-shirts and other items.

Our land, our seas, our stories: Land Rights News celebrates 45 years

Mon, 14 Jun 2021 03:18:55 GMT

FOR more than 65,000 years, storytelling has been part and parcel of First Nations’ cultures in what has become known as Australia.

The storytelling has always been about the lands and the seas, their histories, their importance and their role in everyday life. So it is no small thing that this July marks the 45th anniversary of Australia’s longest running newspaper: Land Rights News.

Across hundreds of issues since 1976, Land Rights News has been a source of information to Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory and beyond.

In the early days, it was best described as a newsletter rather than a newspaper. At that time, the Aboriginal Land Rights Act had not been passed, so the land councils of the time were not even incorporated - let alone recognised under the Act as they are today.

Many of the first issues of the late 1970s focused on the very much day-to-day issues of the time: what would the Act look like? How would land claims be held? Who might be recognised as Traditional Owners? Would Traditional Owners be able to control what happened on their lands and seas?

At the same time - remember this was before television was available across much of the NT - especially for people in the bush, many articles unavailable in the Territory were reprinted.

A very early example was one by the renowned journalist, Anne Summers with a feature article in the National Times, on the proposed McArthur River mine. Some things don’t change!

Through the late 1970s and early 1980s, Land Rights News’ major focus was on the developing landscape of land claims, and early land claim hearings, from the first ones at Yingawunarri to Borroloola. This was the beginning of a very long process over many years as there was a huge amount of work that had to be undertaken by Traditional Owners, along with Land Council field staff, anthropologists and lawyers.

These early issues also covered, in much detail, the gradual shaping of the land council membership and Executive Councils.

During this period there was a range of other Aboriginal newsletters across the Northern Territory - more often than not based on language literacy production centres. Some, such as the regional Katherine-based Yulngu Association, also produced magazines and newsletters. Nearly all of these have now been lost.

It was a period, too, of the slow rise of Aboriginal broadcasting. CAAMA, based in Mparntwe/Alice Springs was among the first - it celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. This was followed by BRACS, servicing remote areas, and longer lasting organisations such as Warlpiri Media also set sail in the 1980s.

At the instigation of Patrick Dodson from the Central Land Council and the late John Ah Kit - with strong support from Wenten Rubuntja and Galarrwuy Yunupingu - Land Rights News ‘went tabloid’ in a joint venture that continued for 20 years or so. As such, it took on the form of a newspaper, and greatly expanded the scope of its coverage and circulation.

A notable early issue of the new format was the production of a special edition covering the historic visit to Mparntwe/Alice Springs by the Pope.

Perhaps the biggest edition - in terms of numbers of copies printed - was for the Bicentennial march in Sydney in January 1988. The whole production team headed off to Sydney to put the paper out - and 80,000 copies were printed!

So, there has been much to celebrate across the 45 years of Land Rights News. We have covered hundreds of stories, from land and seas rights, to sport, the arts, the environment and our histories.

Our storytelling.

As a footnote, we would also like to congratulate Koori Mail, the second longest running Aboriginal newspaper which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Another source of great storytelling!

Reviving Kulumindini Arts: ‘If those old people could do it, we can too’

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 02:58:09 GMT

Kulumindini Arts Centre co-ordinator Elaine Sandy says that her art centre building is “falling apart.”

“This building is very old … it was originally the Gurungu Council office way back then, but you can see by the look of it that it is falling apart.”

What Elaine Sandy and her fellow artists would really like to see is a new arts centre built in the centre of the Elliott township.

“That would be very good, we’d have access to visitors and to tourists. That is what we’ve been asking for the last couple of years and still there is no answer.”

Mudburra Arts was established in the late 1980s as an initiative of the Open College and with funding from the Federal government. The first Mudburra Arts exhibition was at the Desert Harmony festival in Tennant Creek in 1989 and in April the next year Mudburra Arts held a blockbuster exhibition - called Ngurra Mala - at Karen Brown’s Shades of Ochre Gallery in Darwin.

The NT News carried a front page report on the show, saying that it “tapped the very pulse of the Elliott people, producing a fresh vision of this hitherto regarded desolate environment, by way of vibrant expression, rich imagery and passionate mood”.

Karen Brown says that Ngurra Mala was a revelation and a revolution.

“The title of the exhibition – Ngurra Mala – reflects the artists’ unwavering recognition of their knowledge and identification of significant Dreamings and landscapes. The vibrancy of the art works exhibited in Darwin were a result of the exploration of a new palette of blues, yellows and reds that enhanced and enriched the long-held inspiration for art being the land.

“In 1991 and 1992 I travelled with Mudburra artists Lady Dixon Nimarra and Lizzie Dixon to major exhibitions in Grenoble and Lyon in France,” said Ms. Brown.

Ngurra Mala included works and craft items by Lady Dixon Nimarra, her daughter Lizzie Dixon, Harry Jones Jalyirri, Marjorie Jones Nimarra, Beryl Raymond Nalyirri and Daisy Nuggett Nalyirri.

Land Rights News spoke to Lady Dixon Nimarra’s daughter, Janey Dixon, at Marlinja last month. She told us how her mother translated her knowledge and love of country onto canvas.

“We used to sit down and paint with her and she was always telling us about her painting, it was always about bush tucker in the wet season. Bush medicines. They were only from around here at Marlinja. The bush medicines, she would go and collect them around here with us.”

But without continued support and resources, Mudburra Arts wasn’t able to sustain that early promise. Now Elaine Sandy and the artists of Kulumindini want to get the local artists back on track.

They want the arts centre to again be “a stronghold for this place [Kulumindini] and for Mudburra arts and culture.”

“The cultural integrity of everything we make is very important and has been passed on by artists who are family. The art flows from our culture. If we keep our culture strong the art will follow,” said Ms Sandy.

Much of the early art produced at Kulumindini over the years is now in private homes and galleries far way. Elaine Sandy believes it is important for that work to come back home so local artists can see what the earlier generations did.

“It is really important that local people get to see the art that was made here before, it should come back here so local people can see it and be inspired by it. Every one of us, all the family members, we’ve got to be able to see that artworks that people made before. “

Janey Dixon agrees.

“It would be a good idea to bring photos and the artworks back to the community. Some of the ladies still want to do painting. Those photos that will bring their memories, you know, and they can say ‘if those old people could do it, then we can too’.”

Ranger Mine: towards realising Mirarr Cultural Closure Criteria

Sat, 10 Apr 2021 02:49:42 GMT

In January this year, Energy Resources of Australia (ERA) ceased production of uranium oxide at Ranger Mine.

Four decades ago the establishment of Ranger Mine played an important role in the story of land rights.

Ranger operates in an environmentally sensitive area, surrounded by Kakadu National Park. The Mirrar people are the traditional owners of the land.

The mine was authorised under the Commonwealth’s Atomic Energy Act. The authorisation included environmental protection conditions with which ERA must comply.

Under these requirements the company must rehabilitate the area to an environment similar to the adjacent areas of Kakadu National Park.

The NLC has a role in assessing progressive rehabilitation and eventually in determining if the rehabilitation objectives have been met.

In recognition of the importance of the views of Mirarr traditional owners in successful rehabilitation, ERA funded consultation with Mirarr which led to the development of Cultural Closure Criteria. The criteria have been endorsed by the NLC and agreed to by ERA.

The criteria reflect traditional owners’ desire to once again be able to use the Ranger Project Area for hunting, gathering, recreation and ritual.

Under existing regulatory arrangements the company has just five years to complete rehabilitation works.

The NLC has been lobbying the Commonwealth to change this artificial deadline to ensure there is sufficient time to deliver the best possible environmental outcomes, such that all cultural closure criteria are met.

The NLC has also been working to ensure views of traditional owners are considered during the rehabilitation period.

Traditional owners have recently nominated a steering committee of Mirarr and other Bininj from the region to discuss cultural reconnection with the Ranger Project Area.

This includes better defining cultural reconnection for the benefit of regulators and ERA, considering how cultural knowledge can contribute to landform design and species plantings, and how the cultural closure criteria will be monitored and assessed over time.

Traditional owners want the rehabilitated area to be relatively easy to walk across. At most mine rehabilitation areas the ground has been deep ripped, to allow water to penetrate and nutrients to collect in the furrows.

Along with making these areas difficult to walk across, the result is an unnatural appearance of deep furrows and parallel lines of large rocks.

In recognition of the view of traditional owners, the backfilled Ranger Pit 1, now being prepared for revegetation, has been lightly scarified rather than deep ripped.

Recently, members of the steering committee visited the site to inspect the surface of Pit 1. The steering committee also visited trail planting at the mine and talked with ERA staff about a desire to see habitat features and cultural plantings to enhance the site.

We are hoping to see ERA continue to engage with traditional owners in the rehabilitation and monitoring of the site over coming decades, and the company meeting the goals outlined in the cultural closure criteria.

NLC Annual Report 2019-20

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 04:28:06 GMT

The Northern Land Council Annual Report 2019-20 provides a comprehensive account of the Council's performance from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020.

New registration in process for anglers in Aboriginal-owned waters

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 02:46:31 GMT

At the start of March, the NLC introduced a free online registration process for recreational anglers wanting to fish in the Top End’s intertidal zones.

The Top End’s intertidal zones have been the subject of years of negotiation since exclusive Aboriginal ownership was recognised in the 2008 Blue Mud Bay High Court decision.

Registering via the NLC’s website is simple and once registered, fishers can access specific areas until 31 December 2022.

“As I promised last year, NLC has been out consulting widely with traditional owners of sea country about what they want to do with their land and sea country,” NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour said.

“Aboriginal land and sea country is privately owned. Like any land owners, they have the right to say who can and who cannot come onto their country. There are some areas where, for cultural, environmental or commercial reasons, traditional owners want to restrict access.

“The NLC has statutory responsibilities to assist traditional owners to manage their country and we take those responsibilities very seriously.

“The NLC has been talking to and sharing information with all the other stakeholders – the NT government, Amateur Fisherman’s Association NT, the Seafood Council and the Guided Fishing Tour operators but at all times we have to put the interests of traditional owners first. And that’s what we do.”

Ms Scrymgour said the registration system would increase anglers' safety in intertidal zones — a key concern of traditional owners.

"We do so see accidents happening in some of those areas. Often we don't hear about it but it does happen," Ms Scrymgour said.

"What we've done here is to meet the wishes of traditional owners to look at and to make sure that … particularly for our rangers, they know who is coming into those areas, so if anyone gets into difficulty or something happens, we're at least able to respond.”

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi noted the long history of the battle for sea country in the NT.

“That struggle didn’t just start with Blue Mud Bay in the High Court, we had the Croker Island case before that and sea country traditional owners have been fighting for their country for many, many years,” Mr Bush-Blanasi said.

“We came close when the Land Rights Act was first introduced by the Whitlam government in 1975. Back then the Land Rights Act would have given us two miles of sea country out from the shore.

“But when the Land Rights Act was re-introduced to the Australian parliament by the Fraser government the next year those sea country rights were gone. We’ve never stopped fighting for our sea country and we never will.”

In a statement, Aboriginal Affairs Minister Selena Uibo said the developments were "good news" and the NLC would "continue to work with land owners around long-term permanent access arrangements".

"The NLC has acted strongly on behalf of land owners who were granted ownership over much of the Territory's coastline in 2008 by the High Court and we thank the NLC for ongoing work ensuring Territory anglers have so much access to Aboriginal-owned waters," she said.

"While the NT government will continue to pursue long-term permanent fishing access to the areas that fishers use, the decisions on access ultimately rest with the land owners."

Galiwin’ku school playground officially opened

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 02:43:20 GMT

Galiwin’ku Traditional Owners, school leaders and student representatives celebrated the official opening of a new playground at Shepherdson College on 20 November 2020.

The playground is a colourful jungle of rope challenges, swinging bridges, monkey bars and double slides.

The funds for the playground were provided by the Traditional Owners and the Shepherdson College School Council.

Following COVID-19 shut downs last year, the children came back to school and the playground was ready for them to play on.

It is really “manymak for djamarrkuli” said one Traditional Owner.

At the opening celebration there was bunggul to reveal a plaque, which acknowledges the great contribution of Traditional Owners and the school to their community.

Traditional Owners worked alongside NLC’s Community Planning and Development team to plan and implement the playground project.

This project meets this group’s main focus, which is supporting children and youth in their community.

Traditional Owner Geoffrey Gurawunuwuy said he is happy with the outcome.

“That’s number one, that’s what we want,” he said.

The school playground is just one of nine projects the Traditional Owner group has funded to support their young people to grow up strong and healthy in both Balanda and Yolngu worlds.

COVID-19 vaccinations for Aboriginal Territorians expected in April

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 02:37:57 GMT

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 18 in the Northern Territory are expected to get the COVID-19 vaccine in April, according to Danila Dilba.

Danila Dilba and other Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services are preparing for the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Northern Territory.

The vaccine will be free for all Australians.

The Australian government is still making decisions about the vaccine on a daily basis, and there are still some important decisions to be made, but here’s what we know at the moment.

On January 25, the Pfizer vaccine was approved by the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA) for use in people over the age of 16 in Australia. This is the same approval process that any other medicine in Australia goes through, rather than the emergency approvals we have seen in some other countries. This means that the vaccine is considered to have met the strict safety and efficacy requirements of other medicines we use in Australia.

Across the world, over 95 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered so far and that number is growing quickly. Australia is monitoring the huge amounts of safety data coming in on a daily basis to ensure the ongoing safety of the vaccine.

Most Australians, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 18, will most likely receive a vaccine made by Astra-Zeneca. The Astra-Zeneca vaccine is expected to be approved by the TGA in the next few weeks. Australia has secured almost 51 million doses of the Astra-Zeneca vaccine. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults will be vaccinated in Phase 1 of the vaccine rollout, meaning that they will be able to get the vaccine as early as possible.

It's estimated that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will begin getting vaccinated in April.

In Darwin, Danila Dilba will be delivering the vaccine at multiple locations in the Darwin and Palmerston areas.

COVID-19 vaccines must be administered in two doses, at least four weeks apart. Clinics and healthcare providers will help patients keep track of doses to ensure the second dose isn’t missed. Patients won’t need to get both doses from the same place, but it’s important to get both doses to ensure full protection from COVID-19.

The seasonal flu is still out there and can have devastating impacts, so patients should book in for a standard flu shot as well as the COVID-19 vaccine. The flu shot cannot be administered at the same time as the COVID vaccine, and there must be a 14 day buffer period between them.

What you need to do:

make sure your contact details are up to date at your local health care clinic
get your COVID-19 information from the NT Government, the Australian Government, or medical services like Danila Dilba
start talking with your friends and family about getting vaccinated and if you have questions, speak to a trusted health professional at your local clinic.

Who will get the vaccines and when:

Phase 1A:

Quarantine and border workers
Frontline workers
Aged care and disability care staff
Aged care and disability residents

Phase 1B:

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Adults
General population over the age of 70 Adults with underlying health conditions and disabilities
Emergency response workers

Phase 2A:

Adults over 50

Phase 2B:

Everyone else

Phase 3:

People under 16 if recommended

Statement from the NLC in response to media coverage in relation to the interim intertidal zone access arrangements

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 14:30:00 GMT

In July 2008 the High Court confirmed that traditional owners of Aboriginal land adjacent to tidal waters have exclusive access rights to those waters. The mechanism for allowing access to people who do not have traditional interests in those waters is the same as for the adjacent land areas. That is by way of permits granted under the Aboriginal Land Act.

Decisions to issue or withhold permits are made by traditional owners as a group, and it is the NLC’s job to implement decisions of traditional owner groups, and also to negotiate on their behalf with the Northern Territory Government (NTG) in relation to the use and protection of their traditional waters (including waters beyond the intertidal zone subject to native title rights). This job includes progressing economic reforms in relation to securing a genuine stake in the commercial fishing industry.

Since July 2008 the NLC has been trying to negotiate with the NTG to get a satisfactory outcome for traditional owners, knowing that the NTG’s position has been one of trying to maintain open access to as much of the Top End coastline as possible. For many years traditional owners were incredibly patient and for most (although not all) tidal waters in the NLC area the requirement to get a permit was waived on successive occasions. While most groups had given only conditional temporary access approval pending the outcome of negotiations, others were happy to assure unconditional ongoing access to particular tidal waters areas (these are the areas marked in green in the attached map).

By 2018 the view of most traditional owners was that enough was enough, and in the absence of proof of a genuine commitment from the NTG, outsiders would be required to seek permits after 4 December 2018. Last minute assurances from the NTG led to an extension of negotiations and what was to be one final waiver period.

On 29 July 2020 the NLC and the NTG signed the Blue Mud Bay Implementation Action Plan, which would allow a period up to the end of December 2022 for the NTG to confirm and deliver in relation to its commitments, and for the NLC to undertake further consultations with traditional owner groups to ascertain how many of them wanted to include their tidal waters in the open access plan being negotiated with the NTG (the wording used in the NLC media release on 1 September 2020 was: ‘Consult traditional owners on extending the permit free interim arrangements for fishing access in Blue Mud Bay tidal waters to 31 December 2022’).

While the NLC has always acknowledged that other stakeholders (including AFANT, the NT Guided Fishing Industry Association, and the NT Seafood Council) have significant interests in the ultimate outcome of the ongoing negotiations, the negotiations themselves are necessarily between the NLC and the NTG, because it is the NTG which administers the Fisheries Act and coastal waters generally.

The NLC has kept the NTG informed as to developments from the NLC’s side of the table, including briefing the NTG as to the outcome of discussions at NLC’s Full Council meeting earlier this month. As reported by me to stakeholders and the media recently (by reference to the attached map) many traditional owner groups have agreed for their waters to continue to be accessed through to 31 December 2022. This interim arrangement is to be subject to a new online registration process to be put in place by March 2021.

The areas to be subject to the interim arrangement are those marked yellow on the map. This constitutes a significant (and cost-free) benefit for members of the Northern Territory public, and it was anticipated by Full Council members and traditional owners that the response from stakeholders and others would be one of gratitude.

As regards the red area on the map, the NLC has been open and transparent in explaining that while those areas include a few locations that were already excluded from the earlier waivers (where traditional owners may never be willing to reconsider open access) most of the coastline marked red on the map represents tidal waters that were previously part of the waiver arrangement, and in respect of which traditional owner groups are still to make their mind up.

The NLC is presenting the Action Plan to traditional owner groups as a worthy option that can deliver valuable outcomes in terms of future jobs and joint-management arrangements. But the choice is theirs.

A key issue for traditional owners is respect, and acknowledgement of their status and rights as property owners. Recent statements on behalf of a particular stakeholder group could be interpreted as reflecting a mind-set of entitlement, and seem calculated to seek a negative outcome. Comments made to media on behalf of the NTG suggesting that the suspension of open access in respect of those areas where consultation is currently being undertaken has taken them by surprise are disingenuous.

My hope is that a more conciliatory approach will be forthcoming in the New Year.

Marion Scrymgour - CEO

The NLC’s women ranger employment program wins human rights award

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 06:53:44 GMT

The Caring for Country Branch’s Women’s Employment Program has received an award at the 2020 NT Human Rights Awards.

The NLC congratulates the Caring for Country Branch’s Women’s Employment Program, which was presented with The Fitzgerald Social Change Award at the 2020 NT Human Rights Awards at the NT Supreme Court.

The award recognises an organisation or person who has contributed significantly to the promotion of social change for human rights and equal opportunity.

“This is exactly the type of change we need to celebrate,” said NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour.

“Our Caring for Country Branch has worked hard to create a work culture that attracts, retains and inspires Aboriginal women to become rangers. Through consultation with women rangers and community elders, the Caring for Country Branch were able to identify barriers to women’s participation and take action to overcome them.

“We congratulate all our women land and sea rangers and managers who have been a part of this cultural change and who continue to work towards achieving gender equity.”

The Caring for Country Branch adopted the Women’s Employment Strategy in 2018 and committed to increasing and supporting the participation of Aboriginal women in their ranger workforce.

Over the last three years, the implementation of the strategy has resulted in the employment of women in ranger groups increasing from 20 per cent to 47 per cent of the ranger workforce across NLC’s ranger groups.

Leadership development opportunities provided through the Women’s Employment Program have resulted in Aboriginal women rangers being promoted to leadership positions within seven ranger groups, including as senior rangers and assistant coordinators.

Joy Cardona, Chairwoman of the NLC’s Women’s Committee, which met this week at Katherine, described the women rangers as “trailblazers.”

“The courage and perseverance of all these women made it easier for others to follow in their footsteps and take on increased responsibilities as rangers and in supervisory roles.”

“And while it’s good news that more Aboriginal women are stepping into ranger positions, Indigenous ranger programs continue to face major funding challenges. We need a commitment to longer-term core funding to ensure the stability of the ranger program,” said Ms Cardona.

Malak Malak Assistant Ranger Coordinator Sheila White said women rangers are leaders in their communities and are inspiring young women to take up the role of caring for country and culture.

“Working as a ranger has not only benefitted me personally, I see how the young people and other women look up to us, and it makes us feel really proud,” Ms White said.

“Ranger groups are now a safe space for young women to enter, as they are able to work with other women, and are supported by staff who understand their needs. Many women’s lives have been changed by these opportunities.”

Land Rights News - Northern Edition December 2020

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 06:56:00 GMT

Community Planning and Development Newsletter

Fri, 04 Dec 2020 01:00:00 GMT

The NLC Community Planning and Development (CP&D) Program started in 2016. It works with Aboriginal land-owning groups and supports them to use their money from land use agreements, such as royalties or lease money, to drive their own development and secure benefits from their land, waters and seas.

The NLC celebrates rangers graduating from Batchelor Institute

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 02:32:42 GMT

The NLC congratulates rangers who have graduated from the NT's Batchelor Institute.

In the last 12 months, many of our rangers have completed certified training at the Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education in areas of Conservation and Land Management, and Resource and Infrastructure Work Preparation.

Our Caring for Country Branch arranged a ceremony while in Batchelor on 2 December 2020 to recognise their achievements and present those in attendance with a certificate of completion.

Training is essential to the career development of our rangers. It equips them with the skills and competencies required to step into a spectrum of positions in the land and sea management sector. The end goal of this is to have Aboriginal rangers in leadership positions in ranger teams and beyond so they can advance Traditional Owner aspirations for Country. Graduating rangers included:

Andrew Liddy (Cert 1 Conservation and Land Management)
Aaron Green (Cert 2 Conservation and Land Management)
Tim Burr Burr (Cert 2 Conservation and Land Management and Cert 2 Resource and
Infrastructure Work Preparation)
Brendan Morgan-Armstrong (Cert 2 Conservation and land Management and Cert 2
Resource and Infrastructure Work Preparation)
Daphne Huddleston (Cert 2 Conservation and Land Management)
Donald Shadforth (Cert 2 Conservation and Land Management)

Well done everyone and we look forward to seeing the skills put to use in 2021!

‘Fantastic work books’: Junior rangers embrace new resources

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 02:27:51 GMT

The Caring for Country Branch has produced a range of resources aimed at budding rangers.

Caring for Country Branch’s Women and Youth Coordinator Penny Mules said the resources will make it easier for Aboriginal ranger groups to deliver Junior Ranger programs.

“Teaching upcoming generations of custodians about how they are connected to country and culture is a priority for elders and rangers,” Ms Mules said.

The resources - consisting of a guide, work book and activity cards - were developed for Aboriginal rangers and all ranger groups are welcome to use them. They can be used and adapted at the local level without restriction.

The Mardbalk Rangers on South Goulburn Island had their first session with the Junior Rangers using their new work books in November.

“The kids loved them and they kept trying to jump ahead to look at all the upcoming activities,” said Mardbalk Ranger Coordinator Peter Philips.

“We did the mapping activity on page two and the kids had a lot of fun. They’re looking forward to next week’s activity,” he said.

Warruwi School Principal Keira Stewart thanked the NLC for sending the resources to the school.

“Mardbalk Ranger Coordinator Peter showed me the pack and work books, they are fantastic! Such a great resources for students and teachers. Thank you for putting this together,” she said.

Download the Junior Ranger resources here:

Almost four decades on: ‘a bittersweet and long-overdue’ handback of Gagaguwaja Aboriginal Land Trust

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 05:05:00 GMT

Traditional Aboriginal owners of land in the Northern Territory’s remote Barkly Tablelands welcomed the gesture by the Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Honourable Ken Wyatt AM MP, who has delivered to them the Deeds of Title to the Gagaguwaja Aboriginal Land Trust.

Inalienable title to the 6km2 of land comprising the Gagaguwaja Aboriginal Land Trust was handed back to traditional owners and their families at an emotional ceremony at Lake Mary Ann, north of Tennant Creek, on the 26 November 2020.

NLC General Manager, Executive Services Trish Rigby congratulated traditional owners on the long-overdue return of their country following the settlement of the Anthony Lagoon Area Land Claim (No. 74).

Northern Land Council Chairperson, Samuel Bush-Blanasi said: “This is a bitter-sweet and long overdue day, when the Wampaya people and clan groups associated with country right across the Barkly Tablelands country get a small parcel of their traditional lands back as Aboriginal Land under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.”

Mr Bush-Blanasi continued: “It is a bitter day because the land won back is so small. But it is a sweet day because any day the Northern Land Council can help get land back is a good day.” NLC member and cultural advisor Jack Green told the ceremony: “The Anthony Lagoon Area Land Claim was lodged in 1983 under the Land Rights Act. Thirty-seven years to get this land back was way too long.

“Too many of our old people who struggled and strived to get that land back have passed away. We have to honour their lives and their fight for their land. They kept our laws, our language and our lives strong. Without them we’d have nothing,” said Mr Green.

The NLC: looking forward to a continued ‘critical role’ in the COVID-19 response and the development of new Aboriginal economies in the NT

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 04:52:00 GMT

The NLC welcomes the recognition by the Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP of the ‘critical role’ the NLC and other NT Aboriginal Land Councils have played in the response to COVID-19.

The quick and decisive response by the NLC meant remote communities in the NLC area were protected from COVID-19 by a range of measures that included the existing permit provisions in the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act and the highly effective use of powers through the Commonwealth Biosecurity Act.

This evening at Darwin’s Hilton Hotel the NLC will host Minister Wyatt and invited guests at an event that will provide a fresh approach for the future delivery of key services and economic development for Aboriginal Territorians.

Key elements of that new pathway will be a renewed partnership between the Federal government and the NT Land Councils and a clear-eyed approach to the delivery of NT government services, particularly in areas like remote housing and policing.

It will also see the roll-out of a stimulus package that will deliver jobs through investments in infrastructure and projects to provide opportunities and jobs using Aboriginal land and knowledge for Aboriginal enterprises.

“The Northern Land Council thanks Minister Wyatt for his recognition that the NLC, working with the other NT Land Councils and the Aboriginal health services, played a critical role in protecting our communities – particularly those dozens of small remote homeland communities across the NLC area – from the threats posed by this terrible virus,” said NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour.

“But our work isn’t finished with just protecting those communities. We also have to ensure that the many small Aboriginal–owned businesses that have suffered dire consequences from the knock-on effects of COVID-19 are given the right support to recover and prosper in the future,” said Ms Scrymgour.

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said: “2020 has been a difficult year for all of us, and especially people in the Aboriginal business community – the large and small tourist operators, the arts centres, homelands, service providers, tradies and builders. Now is the time to reconnect, to re-set and re-energise our plans for the future,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

Mr Bush-Blanasi continued, “We’ve identified some fantastic ways to support those Aboriginal businesses and projects that have been doing it tough and to develop new opportunities, new businesses and new jobs. We look forward to working closely with Minister Wyatt, the Federal government, the NT private sector and the NT government to get us through these difficult times and make sure that we develop strong and viable Aboriginal economies into the future.”

Jack Green receives lifetime achievement award

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 02:23:18 GMT

Garawa man Mr Green has received the lifetime achievement award at the 2020 TNRM Conference.

For over three decades, Mr Green has been working to protect and care for Country along the southwest Gulf of Carpentaria.

Mr Green has empowered Traditional Owners to regain land rights through the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976.

He has supported the formation of ranger groups, developed cross- cultural solutions and taught cultural knowledge to younger generations.

He is a key campaigner against the impact of mining pollution.

The 67-year-old was born at Soudan Station, situated along the Barkly Highway, 130 kilometres west of the Queensland border. From Soudan he went to work as a ringer at Brunette Downs Station, Anthony Lagoon Station and Creswell Downs.

In the 1980s he settled in Borroloola and raised a family while working at the Mabunji Indigenous corporation, which began its life as a resource centre in 1983.

In the early 1990s, Mr Green started his career with the NLC as a trainee field officer and has been associated with the NLC ever since.

Mr Green now lives at Two Dollar Creek in Borroloola and has multiple roles - he’s a Senior Cultural Advisor to the Garawa and Waanyi/ Garawa Ranger programs, an NLC Councillor and member of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA). He's also a widely recognised artist.

The NLC draws line in sand on unlawful activity on Aboriginal land

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 05:04:00 GMT

The NLC has called for any person on Aboriginal land in the NLC area without a valid permit, lease or licence issued by the Land Council to leave immediately.

That call follows the release of shocking images provided by the Mimal Rangers from Weemol/Bulman showing the wanton destruction of trophy buffalo by safari hunters in the Mount Catt area in central Arnhem Land.

Those events were recorded in the media release and associated video footage released by Mimal Land Management earlier today (see here ).

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said, “Not only did those hunters enter Aboriginal land without a proper permit or section 19 licence to muster buffalo from the NLC, but they also disrespected and ignored the clear instructions to leave his country from a senior traditional owner for that country. Then they drove onto sacred sites, shot and beheaded valuable trophy buffalo and left their carcasses to rot.

“Enough is enough. This shameless disregard for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal law has got to stop and stop right now. The NLC put everyone on notice earlier this year when we restricted access to remote communities and suspended the issue of recreational permits to enter Aboriginal land during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour said, “What has been clear to me over the last 18 months since I started at the NLC is that for far too long too many individuals and organisations have been taking terrible liberties with the permit system.

“For that reason we’ve established an NLC compliance unit that is investigating illegal activity on Aboriginal Land, we’ve increased our support for prosecutions by the NT Police and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions and we are working with the other NT Land Councils to get increased penalties and an expanded range of offences under the Land Rights Act.

"Again, we put people on notice – if you are on Aboriginal land without a valid permit or a section 19 lease or licence issued by the NLC you should leave, and leave now,” said Ms Scrymgour.

'Shameless disregard’: The NLC slams safari hunters

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 02:21:00 GMT

THE NLC has urged anyone who is on Aboriginal land without a permit to leave.

In November, the NLC slammed reports of safari hunters leaving buffalo carcasses to rot in the Mount Catt area of central Arnhem Land, urging anyone without a valid permit to leave.

Pictures provided by local rangers show alleged illegal hunting of buffalo, which Northern Land Council chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said was done without a permit.

“This shameless disregard for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal law has got to stop and stop right now,” he said.

“Not only did those hunters enter Aboriginal land without a proper permit or section 19 licence to muster buffalo from the NLC, but they also disrespected and ignored the clear instructions to leave his country from a senior traditional owner for that country.”

“They drove onto sacred sites, shot and beheaded valuable trophy buffalo and left their carcasses to rot.”

Mimal Land management said four poachers hunting buffalo around the Mount Catt outstation was just the most recent example of an increase in “brazen hunting and theft of stock and entry of sacred sites.”

The NLC has vowed to investigate and work with NT Police to prosecute offenders and increase penalties.

“If you are on Aboriginal land without a valid permit or a section 19 lease or licence issued by the NLC you should leave, and leave now,” NLC chief executive Marion Scrymgour said.

“We are working with the other NT Land Councils to get increased penalties and an expanded range of offences under the Land Rights Act.”

Malak Malak TOs try tech to keep their ancient tongue alive

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 02:19:23 GMT

Traditional Owners have funded the development of a language app, which is available on the Google Play and App store.

For four years Malak Malak Traditional Owners have been working with the NLC’s Community Planning and Development Program, allocating a portion of their income from NT Government fishing value payments to community development.

Early in this journey the Malak Malak group identified their priorities as preserving culture and language, and increasing recognition of their belonging in the region. Projects undertaken so far include culture camps and an interpretive sign project for the Daly River region. The group also set a goal of developing a language learning mobile app, in order to inspire the production of teaching and learning materials to help preserve and revitalise their language.

Malak Malak Traditional Owner Joy Cardona, who is closely involved in the group’s community development work, said it’s so important to preserve the language and hand it on to the next generation.

“We needed to capture the language while the Aunties are still alive, to keep the language and Malak Malak clan strong, and to pass it on to our children,” said Joy Cardona.

Dr Hoffmann began working on a vocabulary builder app, using existing technology from The Language Conservancy. Her work involved visiting Woolianna to meet with the native speakers.

With project support from the NLC’s Community Planning and Development team, two trips were made to Woolianna between September and December 2019, to review words and images, ensuring accuracy in the app’s development.

The app is now available for access by the Malak Malak Traditional Owners.

Matthew Shields, a Malak Malak Traditional Owner and Working Group member, was one of the first to download the app when it was released.

“This is the first time we’ve seen our language on websites … I feel really happy, I can hear it over and over.”

The app is organized into 22 lesson categories, including my family, animals and useful words and so on. It contains around 300 words and phrases, such as conversational phrases like ‘what’s your name?’ (Wari ni eyiny?) and region specific words, like Banyan tree (puenyu).

Over 200 new illustrations were created for the app to reflect the people and culture, as well as the flora and fauna of the region.

Dr Hoffmann said she’s delighted to see the app come to life.

“I hope it will help this beautiful language to thrive and gain new interest,” she said.

New NLC permit system good news for permit applicants

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 02:13:45 GMT

The NLC has launched an online permit system, which will allow the NLC to manage permits to enter and remain on Aboriginal land more efficiently.

The NLC has launched a new online permit system that will allow the NLC to manage permits to enter and remain on Aboriginal land more efficiently, while ensuring the privacy of communities, homelands and sensitive areas.

Since the late 1970s, when the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) came in to force, any non-Aboriginal person accessing Aboriginal land for work or recreational purposes has had to possess a valid permit. The NLC administers the permit system for most of the Aboriginal land in the Top End of the NT, a process that involves checking applications, setting conditions and monitoring compliance.

The new permit system provides improved visibility for the NLC, Traditional Owners, rangers and police about who is coming onto Aboriginal land and waters, and more comprehensive rules about what visitors can do when they visit.

The new system also allows the NLC to gather important information, such as trends in visitor numbers and compliance hotspots. This information will give Traditional Owners greater control in managing visitor numbers and their activities.

For permit applicants, the improved system provides a clearer and more streamlined experience and in the future it will provide more information about directions, distances and points of interest, be they historic, geographic or cultural.

“By moving permits from paper form to a digital process and streamlining access arrangements for permits, applicants will find the process faster and be properly informed about their obligations while on Aboriginal land,” said NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour.

“At the same time, the permit reform undertaken by the NLC will allow Traditional Owners to have a greater say at the local level about setting conditions for access and activities and granting and revoking permits for their land and seas.”

The permit reform team will be continuing the process of engaging with Traditional Owners to set the terms and conditions that will be applied to visitors accessing their country.

The global coronavirus pandemic quickly brought into focus the importance of the NLC’s permit system as a means to know and control who is on Aboriginal land in the NLC’s region.

“The coronavirus pandemic shone a spotlight on the need for Traditional Owners to know exactly who is accessing Aboriginal land, and for what purpose,” said Ms Scrymgour.

“For the foreseeable future, the NLC will continue to impose specific COVID-19 permit requirements on anyone who applies for a permit to access Aboriginal land in the NLC region."

‘It’s always been in our hearts’ – an emotional day at Elliott for native title holders for Buchanan Downs and Hidden Valley pastoral leases

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 14:30:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council congratulates the native title holders of two Barkly Region pastoral leases for their hard work resulting in the long-overdue recognition of their native title rights to country in an historic ceremony at the Northern Territory town of Elliott yesterday.

Justice White of the Federal Court of Australia joined native title holders and their families on Thursday to hand down native title consent determinations in relation to the Buchanan Downs and Hidden Valley pastoral leases.

These determinations include recognition of native title holders’ rights to take resources from their country and use them for any purpose, including commercial purposes. This right was first recognised in the town of Borroloola in August 2016.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour noted the importance of those rights. “What this means is recognition that native title holders had a functional economy – based on traditional rights and responsibilities at the time that this country was settled. It is important that the Court is recognising what Aboriginal people have always known - that there was a customary economy in place, which is being recognised in contemporary times.”

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi acknowledged the hard work by NLC staff and the close cooperation with the Federal Court, the NT government and pastoral lease-holders and particularly congratulated the native title holders and their estate groups – the Narrwan and Badpa estate groups for the Hidden Valley pastoral lease and the Narrwan, Ngayirrirni and Kinbinginggu estate groups for the Buchanan Downs pastoral lease.

Mr Bush-Blanasi said: “The leadership and efforts of native title holders - past and present – needs to be acknowledged by us all. After many years of hard work to win recognition for native title holders across the Top End pastoral lands we’ve got a good idea of the native title jigsaw puzzle - we’ve put together more than 70 pieces of that puzzle so far and we’ve got a fair few more to go yet.”

Quote attributable to native title holder and applicant Raymond Dimakarra Dixon:

“It is a special day for us to get our native title back for our country. We got this title for Hidden Valley and Buchanan Downs and we are so connected to it. It makes us proud of who we are. It’s been a long journey for my people and that country has always been in our hearts and we’re going to cherish it and pass is on to the next generations.”

Quote attributable to native title holder and applicant Jeremy Jackson:

“To actually get the title is pretty emotional. It’s also sad because a lot of our old people passed away and they gave us that knowledge, but I’m really proud and happy to get this paper in my hands. We’ve got sacred sites and a lot of dreaming stories in that Buchanan Downs and Hidden Valley area. Our younger generation will carry on. This is really important to us because we won’t be here forever.”

‘Tears of joy for the old people’: native title holders celebrate recognition of rights in country

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 14:30:00 GMT

More than 150 people gathered at Old Banka Banka Homestead for a native title Consent Determination over pastoral leases in the Barkly region.

After nearly 20 years of seeking recognition of their rights and interests, the Northern Land Council congratulates the native title holders of the Banka Banka (East and West), Helen Springs and Powell Creek pastoral leases whose rights and interests in that land were recognised at proceedings conducted by Justice White of the Federal Court of Australia. The native title claimants* were represented by the NLC.

It is important to note that among the rights recognised by the court was the right to “access and take resources for any purpose” i.e. including commercial purposes, and not limited to personal or domestic purposes. This right was first recognised in the Northern Territory in the town of Borroloola in August 2016.

Quote attributable to Justice White:

“There are very few, if any, occasions when the court makes a determination of native title, which have [the] wide ranging effects which today’s determinations are going to have. The court is very pleased to [sit on country] and thanks you for your invitation.”

Quote attributable to native title holder Dick Foster:

“It was a long time you know, waiting to get our native title back. It’s really important to make sure that the sacred sites of this country are protected. I’m really pleased that we got this country back.”

Quote attributable to native title holder Mary Noonan:

“This ceremony today links up our ancestors, the current generation and future generations. We’ll remember this day in history. I’ve got tears in my eyes. I just cry because some of my old people they didn’t live to see this, the recognition today is just amazing.”

Quote attributable to native title holder David Hughes:

“I’m really happy and proud of myself and my family that I got the paper. But really that paper that judge gave us today, that’s just on the top - that country is in our heart.”

Quote attributable to native title holder Josephine Napangardi Grant:

“I’m proud that each of the 17 estate groups got recognised today and it’s really important to have it on country. Today makes me feel really good and I’d like to say thanks to everybody, the court, the NLC and all the people who turned up for this native title ceremony today.”

Quote attributable to NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi:

“The ceremony at Banka Banka Homestead represents a fulfilment of the wishes of native title holders to receive their long overdue recognition of interests in country, which they know had never been taken away.”

Quote attributable to NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour:

“The NLC thanks its staff, all of the native title holders and the Federal Court for helping to make this important day one that will stay in the memory of native title holders and will be passed down to future generations.”

*The native title holders for the Powell Creek Pastoral Lease are held respectively by the members of the following estate groups: the Bamayu (Wurwanawanji-Yarrayarra) estate group; the Bamayu (Titirlku) estate group; the Marlinja estate group; the Ngapa Jangirulu estate group; the Walanypirri estate group; and the Wilyuku estate group.

*The native title holders for the Helen Springs Pastoral Lease are held respectively by the members of the following estate groups: the Kanturrpa esate group; the Ngapa estate group; the Pirrtangu estate group; the Walanyja estate group; the Walanypirri estate group; the Warranangku estate group; and the Wirntiku estate group.

*The native title holders for the Banka Banka East Pastoral Lease are held respectively by the members of the following estate groups: the Jalajirrpa; the Kunapa estate group; and Pirrtangu.

*The native title holders for the Banka Banka West Pastoral Lease are held respectively by the members of the following estate groups: the Kanturrpa estate group; the Marntikara estate group; the Kunapa estate group; the Kangawarla estate group; the Ngarrka estate group; and the Pirrtangu estate group.

The Northern Land Council goes back to its roots - Territory Q magazine

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 02:13:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council has gone 'back to basics' - helping Aboriginal people acquire and manage their traditional lands and sea.

Following a turbulent couple of years, Australia’s most influential Aboriginal organisation has steadied and started the job of becoming more responsive to its grassroots constituents than ever.

Marion Scrymgour went to remote communities after being appointed chief executive 18 months ago.

“I saw the poverty and hopelessness – it breaks your heart,” she says. “This is what we should be concentrating on.”

The former Labor Cabinet Minister is using all her political, diplomatic and negotiating skills to get traditional owners to have confidence in the land council again.

“My main aims are stability, reconnecting with communities and rebuilding confidence in the land council.

“The response from communities has been overwhelming.”

Ms Scrymgour and her team are also working hard to rebuild relations with the Federal and Territory governments.

This is paying off – the Federal Government increased its funding of the NLC this year for the first time in seven years.

The NLC, which is made up of seven regions and is governed by a 78-strong council, acted with speed and decisiveness when it became clear that the coronavirus was becoming a pandemic.

It shut down all communities in its jurisdiction to everyone except essential workers – moving quicker even than the Territory Government.

Larrakia Nation and Kalano Community Association worked tirelessly to assist thousands of Aboriginal people to leave urban centres, such as Darwin and Katherine, and return to their home community.

The NLC’s message to Aboriginal people living in towns was: “Go home - you are safer on country than here”.

More than 2500 left Darwin alone.

Ms Scrymgour says there were many emotional reunions – some people returned to their homeland communities after living in the longgrass in Darwin for more than a decade.

Demand for food from community stores rocketed as the population swelled and the NLC formed a partnership with supermarket chain Coles to ensure adequate supplies.

The NLC contracted Tiwi actor Robbie Collins to appear in Covid-19 information films, which were then dubbed into 18 languages.

“Our response to the crisis was based on advice from health experts,” says Ms Scrymgour. “If coronavirus got into our communities, the results would be catastrophic.

“We are delighted that not a single Aboriginal person in the Territory has contracted the virus.”

PERMIT SYSTEM

Nearly everybody needs a permit to enter Aboriginal land – much as you would need permission to go onto a cattle station or other private land.

Aboriginal people are happy to have respectful, law-abiding visitors, but they want to know who’s where and when for everybody’s safety.

For instance, it is critical to ensure that visitors don’t enter sacred sites or other culturally significant places, and to know where everyone is during early dry season burns or the culling of feral animals.

A system ‘with a friendly face’ has being developed where permits can often be issued online within a few minutes.

The NLC is working with traditional owners to establish standards for visitors, including where people can go, what they can do and how long they can stay.

For instance, some coastal communities welcome fishermen, but insist they only use rods, stay no longer than five nights and take all their rubbish away with them.

Communities are particularly angered by hunters coming onto their land without permits.

“They are tired of people shooting up their land,” says Ms Scrymgour.

The NLC is now more aggressive in pursuing prosecutions and wants penalties increased, including the seizure of vehicles.

Traditional owners have told the NLC that they don’t ask much from visitors – just that they understand they are on Aboriginal-owned land and that they be as respectful as they would be on anyone else’s property.

REGIONALISATION STRATEGY

The land council’s decentralisation strategy is underway – offices have been opened in Wadeye and Maningrida, bringing the number to 11 throughout the Top End.

There have always been local representatives, but the network of regional offices makes it easier and more efficient for communities to deal with the NLC.

Half of the NLC’s 280 staff are Aboriginal and the aim is to increase the percentage by upskilling staff.

HOUSING

A major focus for the land council going forward will be remote housing, leasing and land use opportunities.

“The NLC will be rigorously pursuing the improvement of remote housing in our communities and outstations,” says Ms Scrymgour.

RANGERS

Across the NLC region, the ranger program continues to be an enormous success – with 36 individual Aboriginal ranger groups managing some of the most intact and culturally significant and biodiverse country in the country.

Not surprisingly, the rangers and their families are proud of their work and are seen as role models in their communities.

The work includes:

The NLC works hard to ensure that ranger work opportunities are available for women and young people. All NLC hosted ranger groups now employ women, and more women are being trained to go into senior and leadership roles.

Rangers also engage with community schools – giving talks on their work and taking students on patrols – and junior ranger groups have been set up in some communities.

The ranger program has been so successful that the NLC has been offered additional opportunities to tender for fee-for-service work for external agency and industry partners.

The Federal Government has announced its intentions to extend funding for the existing ranger groups until 2028.

NLC chairman Samuel Bush- Blanasi says it’s important to have even more countrymen and women working on country.

“Country is important to us, especially when we’re talking about sacred sites from the sea to the land.”

LEARNING ON COUNTRY

High school students are being reminded in interesting and fun ways that they have something of which to be enormously proud: the most ancient surviving culture in the world.

More than 1000 middle and senior school students from 15 remote schools are taking part in the Learning on Country program.

The program provides a ‘both ways’ approach to education - students participate in traditional learning and western scientific approaches to study, both on country and in the classroom, that are accredited towards Vocational Education and Training (VET) and high school certificates.

Mr Bush-Blanasi said the program is producing culturally confident and educated young Aboriginal people.

“Our future is our kids and I want to see them get the right education and go on to live healthy lives and care for their families – the Learning on Country program helps create that pathway for them.

“The program is extremely inspiring because it gives our kids a better education – a both ways education. Developed by Aboriginal people for our young people, it teaches them skills that they need to survive in our culture and balanda culture.”

The program is funded by the Federal Government’s National Indigenous Australians Agency.

SAVING LANGUAGE

Traditional owners are working hard to save language.

For instance, only five people now speak fluent Malak Malak, the ancient language of a group of people in the Daly River region.

So Malak Malak traditional owners used some of their money from royalty payments for a project that recorded the native speakers and created a mobile phone app so Malak Malak people can learn their language and keep it going.

It’s all part of the NLC’s Community Planning and Development Program, which works alongside groups interested in putting some of their royalty money towards projects that provide them with lasting benefits.

The eight communities currently using the program have put aside nearly $8 million of their income to do community development and so far have 33 projects on the go.

Other projects include upgrading the Marralum outstation near the Western Australian border, partnering with the shire in Galiwin’ku to increase local employment opportunities at the Galiwin’ku recreation centre and respecting past elders with upgrades to the cemetery at Wadeye.

SAVING HISTORY

Former Australian Rules football umpire Joy Cardona is collating about 30,000 photographs, manuscripts and rare books going back 100 years to ensure the Territory history of Aboriginal people is preserved.

BLUE MUD BAY

The NLC is keen to work out an equitable agreement over the High Court’s 2008 Blue Mud Bay decision, which acknowledged Aboriginal ownership of the land down to the low tide mark.

Ms Scrymgour wants the land council to sit down with all stakeholders, including traditional owners, the Tiwi and Anindilyakwa land councils, the Seafood Council and the Amateur Fishermen’s Association.

She says “it will be business as usual” for commercial and recreational fishermen for the next two years while the agreement is being thrashed out.

The NLC wants an agreement that will benefit Aboriginal people and ensure the fisheries are sustainable.

“Any agreement going forward will need to be ratified and agreed to by the NLC’s full council,” says Ms Scrymgour.

The NLC welcomes High Court decision that clarifies performance of native title functions

Wed, 07 Oct 2020 05:12:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council (the NLC) welcomes today’s unanimous decision by the High Court that the NLC has the power to delegate to its CEO and other staff members the job of certifying applications for registration of Indigenous land use agreements (ILUAs).

The Northern Land Council (the NLC) welcomes today’s unanimous decision by the High Court that the NLC has the power to delegate to its CEO and other staff members the job of certifying applications for registration of Indigenous land use agreements (ILUAs).

This decision will help restore confidence in the ability of the Northern Territory’s two representative bodies, the Northern Land Council and the Central Land Council, to perform their native title functions in an accountable and efficient way.

The decision is also likely to assist other native title representative bodies around Australia to better understand this complicated area of law.

In their majority opinion, Chief Justice Kiefel and Justices Gageler and Keane found that this power to delegate native title functions is conferred by the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth), which is the legislation that establishes the Northern Territory’s Aboriginal Land Councils.

The majority also noted that the native title certification function might be “peculiarly ill-adapted” for performance by the full governing body of a Land Council, particularly where extensive evidence must be assessed and where the there is potential for conflicts of interest.

Mr Quall and Mr Fejo’s appeal about the certification of the Kenbi ILUA will now be returned to the Federal Court to be determined in accordance with the High Court’s judgment.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour said: “The NLC will continue to work towards registration of the Kenbi ILUA, which is a crucial step in giving effect to the 2016 settlement of the Kenbi Land Claim”.

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush Blanasi noted: “The Kenbi land claim covers the Cox Peninsula and was lodged in 1979 and is Australia’s longest-running Aboriginal land claim, involving four different hearings before the Aboriginal Land Commissioner and two challenges in the High Court. It is long overdue that the 2016 settlement is sorted out so that traditional Aboriginal owners and the broader Larrakia community can get on with their important business on Kenbi land”.

The 2016 settlement agreement includes a package of extensive benefits for the traditional Aboriginal owners and the broader Larrakia community.

The settlement includes:

• 51,152 hectares of land to be granted as Aboriginal land under the Commonwealth Land Rights Act for the benefit of the traditional Aboriginal owners, the Larrakia people and the Aboriginal residents of Belyuen;

• a further 10,766 hectares of land to be granted as NT freehold to a newly-formed Kenbi Land Trust; and

• 1,636 hectares of coastal property to be granted as NT freehold to the Larrakia Development Corporation.

Contrary to certain claims in the media, the majority of Larrakia people are strongly supportive of the settlement agreement and are growing impatient with the ongoing delays in implementation.

The High Court of Australia’s summary of the judgement in Northern Land Council & Anor v Quall & Anor can be accessed here: https://www.hcourt.gov.au/

Malak Malak Traditional Owners launch Healthy Country Plan

Fri, 25 Sep 2020 06:18:00 GMT

The Malak Malak ranger base came to life last Tuesday 15 September with the ranger group hosting the long awaited launch of the Malak Malak Healthy Country Plan.

More than 50 Malak Malak and Matngele Traditional Owners from the Daly River region and beyond gathered with other interested parties to celebrate the completion of this valued community document.

Many heart-warming speeches were delivered on the day, including a touching and emotional summary by Terry Mahney, the principle planning consultant, on how the Malak Malak Healthy Country Plan keeps the caring for country aspirations of Traditional Owners alive.

The Plan was driven by the Malak Malak Traditional Owners with the purpose of providing guidance to the next generation to ensure the land and culture remains healthy into the future.

The Healthy Country Plan is dedicated to the memory of Albert Myoung, who sadly passed before the Plan’s development. Mr Myoung started the Malak Malak Ranger and Land Management program in 2000.

He's quoted as saying: “When I was a young fella this country was really good - just natural".

The NLC Caring for Country branch and the TO’s would like to gratefully acknowledge the funding contribution from Fisheries NT.

NLC welcomes recognition of native title rights to pastoral leases

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 04:58:00 GMT

The NLC congratulates native title holders of two pastoral leases for their hard work resulting in the long-overdue recognition of their native title rights to country.

COVID-19 restrictions prevented Justice White of the Federal Court being on-country with native title holders at the Minyerri (Hodgson Downs) community last week when he handed down native title consent determinations in relation to the Nutwood Downs and Hodgson River pastoral leases.

The consent determinations include recognition of native title holders’ rights to take resources from their country and use them for any purpose, including commercial purposes.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour noted the importance of those rights. “It means there is recognition that native title holders had a functional economy at the time that this country was taken from them. It is long-overdue but it gives us all some small comfort to see that the Courts are finally recognising what Aboriginal people always knew - that there was a customary economy in place and that is being recognised in a modern context,” said Ms Scrymgour.

The NLC congratulates the native title holders – the Murungun Yunulalda, Budal Lirijal, Mambali Amaling-Gan, Murungun Igalumba and the Mambali Lajarirr (for the Hodgson River pastoral lease) and the Mambali Amaling-Gan, Murungun Igalumba, Guyal Bardi Bardi, Dumnyun-Ngatanyana, Murungun Milgawirri and Budal Yuwaran groups (for the Nutwood Downs pastoral lease).

The NLC acknowledges the leadership of elders, past and present, who successfully fought for recognition of their families’ traditional connection to country.

In an emotional address to the ceremony at Minyerri, Christine Farrar spoke on behalf of her father, Barney Ellaga and his siblings (now all sadly deceased), and spoke of the pride she felt to represent those countless generations that had gone before. “I stand here today representing my fathers for our land. My fathers would be proud. My family and I are proud,” she said.

Land Rights Act key for Mirarr traditional owners

Thu, 03 Sep 2020 07:18:00 GMT

A long struggle by the Mirarr people for ownership and control over the Jabiru township met with success today with the passage of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment (Jabiru) Act 2020.

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said the passage of the Jabiru Bill and the finalisation of the Jabiru township lease will pave the way for a Mirarr entity to implement long term tenure arrangements for residents and businesses at Jabiru.

“I congratulate traditional owner Yvonne Margarula and the Mirarr people on this historic day. The Mirarr mob have waited a long time to have their rights recognised and that is what the Federal Government has done today,” he said.

“The NLC thanks the Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt, for supporting legislation that fosters economic empowerment and gives Aboriginal people more control on how their land is developed.

“The NLC’s Full Council will soon consider the proposed Jabiru township lease and the economic and community development opportunities it will generate for the Mirarr people and wider community.

“We look forward to working with the present and future Mirarr traditional owners as Jabiru transforms from a mining town to a regional service centre and sustainable tourism hub.”

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour recognised the Federal and the Northern Territory Government’s substantial financial commitments to the Jabiru revitalisation plan and ensuring Kakadu National Park retains its status as a premier tourist attraction.

“Jabiru now has the opportunity to refocus from a mining town to an Aboriginal-led tourism and economic service centre for Kakadu National Park and the West Arnhem Region,” she said.

“The NLC looks forward to working with Jabiru Kabolkmakmen Ltd, the Mirarr people and other local agencies to set the economic future of the township.”

Blue Mud Bay Plan will protect Aboriginal sea country rights

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 06:52:00 GMT

On 29 July 2020 the NLC and the NT Government signed the Blue Mud Bay Action Plan.

In July 2008 the High Court of Australia, in the Blue Mud Bay case, found that Traditional Aboriginal Owners have the right to control access to waters overlying ‘Aboriginal Land’ including the intertidal zone. That means that Traditional Owners control access to around 85 per cent of the NT coastline.

On 26 June 2019 at Nitmiluk, the NTG, the NLC, the NT Seafood Council, the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT and the NT Guided Fishing Industry Association signed a Heads of Agreement document (the Nitmiluk Heads of Agreement).

The Action Plan implements the Nitmiluk Heads of Agreement with specific commitments up to the end of December 2022. Under the agreed Action Plan, the Northern Territory Government will:

The Northern Land Council will:

Also under the Action Plan, the NTG and NLC commit to ongoing collaboration with the other parties to the Heads of Agreement and key stakeholders to implement the other elements of the Nitmuluk Heads of Agreement. The time frame to complete these discussions and actions will be the end of 2022.

Land Rights News - Northern Edition September 2020

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 01:12:00 GMT

In this edition: protecting Aboriginal sea country rights; land councils demand safe drinking water in remote communities; a tribute to the late Jack Ah Kit; and photos from the latest 'back to country' camps.

2020-21 NLC Corporate Plan deferred

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 02:52:00 GMT

The NLC has deferred the publication of the 2020-21 Corporate Plan in accordance with the PGPA Rule until January 2021.

The NLC responded swiftly to the threat of COVID-19 with senior management and NLC resources allocated to timely tasks that sought to protect remote communities. As staff could not travel due to COVID-19 permit restrictions, meetings outside of Darwin were either cancelled or delayed. This occurred at a time when resources would have been focused on the corporate planning process.

The NLC will publish the 2020-21 Corporate Plan by 31 January 2021.

Blue Mud Bay Action deal will protect Aboriginal sea country rights

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 14:30:00 GMT

The NLC and the NT Government signed the Blue Mud Bay Action Plan on 29 July.

“The Action Plan provides sea country traditional owners with a clear pathway to achieving culturally appropriate economic and employment outcomes that will benefit our mob for generations to come,” said NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour.

In mid-2008 the High Court of Australia, in the Blue Mud Bay case, found that traditional owners have the right to control access to waters overlying ‘Aboriginal Land’ including the intertidal zone. That means that traditional owners control access to around 85% of the NT coastline.

In June 2019 at Nitmiluk, the NTG, the NLC, the NT Seafood Council, the NT Amateur Fishermen’s Association and the NT Guided Fishing Industry Association signed the Nitmiluk Heads of Agreement. The Action Plan implements this agreement with specific commitments up to the end of 2022.

These commitments are too extensive to list here, but include for example, ‘the NT Government will provide funding to support the establishment of an Aboriginal fishing entity to facilitate participation of traditional owners in fishing, aquaculture and other opportunities associated with fishing activities in the NT’. It also sets out NLC’s commitments, for example, ‘the NLC will consult traditional owners on extending the permit free interim arrangements for fishing access in Blue Mud Bay tidal waters to 31 December 2022’.

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said: “Following the election we look forward to working closely with the NT government to develop and deliver a new Fisheries Act, which will reflect the undeniable fact of Aboriginal ownership of sea country and the need to implement sustainable and appropriate policies for the future management of our fisheries and protection of this most precious resource”.

NT land councils: protection needed for remote drinking water supply

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 04:32:00 GMT

The four Northern Territory land councils condemn the unacceptable lack of protection for safe and adequate drinking water in the NT.

Meeting in Darwin with NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner and opposition party leaders, the land councils called for urgent legislation to ensure that all Territorians have access to safe drinking water.

The land councils want all parties to commit to enacting a Safe Drinking Water Act that provides regulatory protection and accountability for the safe and adequate water for all.

Communities throughout the NT – from the north to the south - are experiencing poor water quality and water stresses, for example Kintore, Yuendumu, Willowra, Yuelamu, Ntaria (Hermannsburg), Imanpa, Mutitjulu, Willora, Wutunugurra, Alekarange, Utopia, Alpurrurulam, Warruwi, Bulla, Numbulwar, Ngukurr, Milingimbi, Wurrumiyanga and Laramba.

Central Land Council chief executive Joe Martin-Jard said residents of the Laramba community, three hours northwest of Alice Springs, are drinking water that contains three times the level of uranium than is recommended as safe by the World Health Organisation.

“The lack of legislative protection out bush is discriminatory and constitutes negligence by the Northern Territory Government,” he said.

“That’s why we want whoever forms the next NT government to bring in legally enforceable minimum standards for drinking water quality and security.”

“All Territorians, not just those living in major towns, have a right to safe and adequate drinking water,” Northern Land Council Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said.

“Bush voters deserve to know how the parties are planning to ensure they can enjoy this right.”

The land councils say existing water legislation must also be amended to prioritise future drinking water reserves over all other uses.

“These legislative changes must be supported by an overarching water security strategy to protect our most precious resource,” Tiwi Land Council chief executive Andrew Tipungwuti said.

“Any party vying for the bush vote must commit to significantly increasing spending on repair, replacement and maintenance of ageing remote water infrastructure and installation of proven technological solutions to better use non-potable water.”

Anindilyakwa Land Council chair Tony Wurramarrba added that all funding decisions about water infrastructure and services must be transparent, and involve the land councils.

“Too many of our communities are running out of water or are forced to drink polluted water. We need to be involved in deciding on water infrastructure and services on Aboriginal land,” he said.

Senate Order for Entity Contracts listing related to the period 1 July 2019 - 30 June 2020

Sun, 26 Jul 2020 23:56:00 GMT

Kenbi Rangers inspire next generation to care for country

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 14:30:00 GMT

The Kenbi Rangers, along with a number of supporters and stakeholders, hosted a junior ranger camp over three days in July at Charles Point as part of their ongoing commitment to engaging with the local community.

Children aged form five to 12 years from Belyuen and Darwin and their parents/guardians were invited to camp at Charles Point over three days to participate in the camp. Children from Wagait Beach were also invited to participate.

A total of 35 kids attended the camp with another 15 kids from Wagait Beach joining in with the organised activities on the Thursday.

Upon arrival the kids received a bag that included a Kenbi fishing shirt, posters, stickers, drink bottle and sunhat.

Day one of the camp involved a trip to Bare Sand Island on board the Sea Darwin vessels. The kids were up at the crack of dawn and fed a cooked breakfast. Lunches for the trip were made by the kids the night before with the assistance of parents.

The kids were lucky enough to hold Flatback turtle hatchlings that were being looked after by the researchers.

The researchers gave a talk about the turtles that nest on Bare Sand Island and how to protect their habitats.

They also had an opportunity to go digging for turtle eggs. On their return trip home they spotted bottlenose dolphins in Bynoe Harbour and an Australian submarine in Darwin Harbour.

Day two was a full day of organised sessions, talks and workshops with kids from Wagait Beach joining in.

Kenbi Rangers would like to thank all the supporters and stakeholders that contributed and assisted with the camp. The success of the Junior Ranger camp was thanks to everyone involved including parents and all volunteers.

The camp was successful in encouraging children to engage and interact with rangers to learn about land management and conservation and we hope it inspired the next generation of future rangers.

Cool room breakdowns – no problem! Children go hunting at Wagiman Culture Camp

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 14:30:00 GMT

The otherwise quiet heritage site of Sawmill on the Wagiman Aboriginal Land Trust came to life on July 13 when the annual Wagiman Culture Camp - its diverse lineup of informative and entertaining guests – kicked off.

Wagiman families welcomed guests to their Country, ensuring guests were as comfortable as possible. Families also had the time themselves to reconnect with Country and enjoy their bush heritage.

This year family groups and guests camped in different locations around Rainbow Dreaming Billabong, just past the Claravale Crossing. In Wagiman language, the area is known as Jagud.

During the weeks leading up to the camp, Wagiman Rangers constructed a bough shed, which served well as the central cooking and eating area, as well as a hub for social gatherings.

Of course there were a few modern conveniences, such as a generator for electricity and cool rooms for perishable food, but the best laid plans can be fraught with dramas – there was not one, but two cool room breakdowns!

This turned out to be a back handed blessing in disguise. How? It highlighted the Wagiman ability to adapt and to find solutions.

Instead of BBQ-ing meat over the course of the week, the bullocky that had been butchered to provide meat for the camp was cooked all at once in a big traditional earth oven. The succulent aroma of tender beef cuts from the earth oven had everyone’s mouths watering. We feasted upon this for two days, topped up with salad, vegetables and bread rolls.

After the beef was gone, we decided that we would catch our food for the rest of the week.

Turtles are a Wagiman delicacy and you have to be quick to get a feed of turtle when it is on the menu. Luckily we were able to catch enough turtle for everyone. We sourced the turtles from a few different locations on the land trust, making sure that we did not over catch in one area.

Wagiman kids and adults alike, cooked and ate on site at the fishing spots as well as back at camp. With hungry tummies taken care of, dinnertime proved to be a non-event on one evening because no one could eat another thing!

Guest speakers and entertainers provided information and entertainment throughout the week. Paul from Indigenous Land & Sea Corporation (ILSC) attended to share information and glean some Wagiman ideas on the proposed Savanna Fire Management Project. Through this proposal, ILSC were able to generously provide some funding towards the culture camp this year.

Helicopter rides allowed traditional owners and select others to view parts of the Land Trust that are now inaccessible by road, and also allowed for direct feedback regarding potential burning activities around sacred sites in the future.

Carla and Isabel, freshwater turtle experts who became affectionately known as ‘the turtle ladies’, provided children’s educational entertainment in the form of a turtle show, camera trap demonstration and a simple solar powered grasshopper fun exercise.

Wagiman families also participated in weeds discussions, croc safety talks and biosecurity chats with representatives from Territory Natural Resource Management, Croc Wise, and the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

It had been an extraordinary week of events, and before we knew it, the weekend was upon us. A feeling of sadness descended upon us, as we came to accept that the camp was over for another year. Indeed, come families chose to stay on for the weekend to enjoy that special connection that only being out bush can bring!

Vale Jack Ah Kit – the NLC mourns the passing of a great leader

Sun, 12 Jul 2020 14:30:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council mourns the passing of John Ah Kit – known better to many as Jack Ah Kit or just Jack – who passed away on Sunday 12 July at the Royal Darwin Hospital.

Jack was a much loved member of the NLC family and his loss will be deeply felt by NLC Full Council members, traditional owners, native title holders, community members and staff.

Jack’s memory will live on in us all. His words, his actions, his love for country and for his country men and women. By all of these things we will remember him.

Jack first came to the NLC as an elected council member in 1983 for the Katherine township and the following year was appointed as Director of the NLC, a position he held until 1990.

During that time the NLC was engaged in its most active period of land claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 as well as resisting major attacks on the Land Rights Act federally and locally.

Always a staunch defender of the interests of Aboriginal people in the NT and of the Jawoyn people around Katherine in particular, during this time Jack and the NLC played a central role in defending Jawoyn interests against mining proposals over Guratba (Coronation Hill) and oversaw the handback of Nitmiluk National Park east of Katherine in 1989.

In 1991 Jack was appointed Executive Director of the Katherine-based Jawoyn Association, holding that position until he resigned in August 1995 to successfully contest the October by-election for the seat of Arnhem in the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly for the Labor Party.

After 6 years in opposition in 2001 Jack served as a minister in the Martin Labor government – the first Aboriginal person appointed as a minister in the NT.

Before retiring from elected politics in 2005 he had held a number of portfolios, including as Minister for Community Development, Housing, Local Government, Sport and Recreation, Regional Development and Minister assisting the Chief Minister on Indigenous Affairs.

‘I want to excel’: young Galiwin’ku local thrives in traditional owner-funded position

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 14:30:00 GMT

Evellena Wanambi loves her job as a Youth Sport and Recreation (YSR) Officer at the East Arnhem Regional Council in Galiwin’ku. Thanks to funding provided by Galiwin’ku traditional owners, she is employed to support young people in her community to reach their potential.

Traditional owners are supporting this employment through their youth diversion project, which they are delivering using the NLC’s Community Planning and Development Program.

Can you tell readers a bit about yourself?

My name is Evellena Milimarr Wanambi, but everyone calls me Miliy. My skin name is Galikali. My clan group is Marrangu. My Homeland is Raymangirr. I am 24 years old and I have lived in Galiwinku my whole life. I completed my schooling in Shepherdson College. I enjoy cooking food and playing sports. My sports are football, basketball and volleyball.

What is your job?

I started working at sport and recreation in 2016 as a casual employee. In 2018 I became part time and in 2020 I was promoted to a fulltime coordinator. I am passionate about providing educational, sport and recreation programs for the youth.

My role consists of assisting and supporting the delivery of the Youth, Sport and Recreation (YSR) program; helping with after-school care and vacation care; helping the senior officer and coordinators when needed; being safe at work; and being a good role model for young people.

What are some of the challenges faced by young people at Galiwin’ku?

Galiwin’ku is an isolated community, which makes it hard for young people to be exposed to opportunities like elite sports pathways and entertainment activities. YSR is one of the only services to entertain youth. Young people and the community find the shop and traveling expensive, which limits money spent on opportunities.

What are some of the highlights since you’ve been in the job?

Since working at sport and rec I have seen many kids, youth and families engaged and having a great time at our program. Some of the highlights of my career include: running sport competitions, such as edor [a chasing-and-tagging game for a large group], basketball and volleyball; running community events, such as the colour run, disco and festivals; facilitating and supporting youth and adults in Women’s AFL training, Galiwin’ku Football League and inter community competitions; and facilitating hunting and bush trips for families.

What do you want to do in the future?

I would like to excel as an YSR Coordinator and fulfil the roles and responsibilities involved. And in the future I would like to be a respected community leader.

NLC supports Kakadu traditional owners and calls for review of Parks' management

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 07:04:00 GMT

The relationship between senior management and traditional owners at Kakadu national park requires urgent action to be resolved.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour yesterday wrote to Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley urging her to act decisively on the concerns of traditional owners of Kakadu as expressed in recent days on national media.

“This situation at Kakadu has been going on for too long. The NLC, which has clear statutory roles and responsibilities under both the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act and the Kakadu park lease, will heed the distress calls from traditional owners for our assistance and advice,” said Ms Scrymgour.

“The NLC has a real obligation to act, not only because of the resolutions last week by the Kakadu Board of Management, but also because we’ve been receiving serious complaints from traditional owners about mismanagement of the park in recent years. We welcome the news overnight that Minister Ley wants to meet with the Kakadu Board of Management soon to resolve these matters as long overdue. Attempts by the NLC to resolve these issues have been protracted, frustrating and difficult. We can’t let this go on any longer.”

Chairman of the NLC, Samuel Bush-Blanasi said the situation for traditional owners, residents, park staff and the tourism industry at Kakadu was “untenable” and that the NLC wanted to help find a constructive resolution that works for the traditional owners and residents, park users and staff and the tourism industry.

“Traditional owners have asked that the NLC convene a meeting ‘on-country’ so that NLC staff, Bininj/Mungguy rangers at Kakadu, senior traditional owners and the Kakadu Board of Management can sit down and talk these things through and, most importantly, chart a new way forward,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

Mr Bush-Blanasi continued, “There are very good reasons why Kakadu is a World Heritage area and we’ve got to reset the joint management arrangements because they clearly aren’t working with the management arrangements at Kakadu right now.

“That’s why we told Minister Ley that a root-and-branch review of the recent management of Kakadu has to be undertaken. That review must be done by people completely independent of Parks Australia who understand not only the principles, but the practice of joint management on Aboriginal land with Aboriginal people.”

Traditional owners try tech to keep ancient language alive

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 06:56:00 GMT

Malak Malak traditional owners have funded the development of a language app containing over 300 words and phrases. The Malak Malak Vocab Builder is now available on the Google Play and App store.

Only five fluent Malak Malak speakers are left. Prior to 2012, little work was done on preserving and revitalising the language besides some grammar work undertaken by a researcher in the 1970s.

In 2012, Dr Dorothea Hoffmann, a linguist with nonprofit organisation The Language Conservancy, began working on documenting and recording the language. Malak Malak traditional owners then began working with NLC’s Community Planning and Development Program (CP&D) in 2016, allocating a portion of their income to community development. A Malak Malak working group was formed, and preserving language with the help of an app was identified as a priority.

Using existing technology from The Language Conservancy, Dr. Hoffmann developed a vocabulary builder app and NLC’s CP&D team assisted with project management.

“I’m delighted to see the app come to life. I hope it will help this beautiful language to thrive and gain new interest,” Dr Hoffmann said.

Malak Malak traditional owner Joy Cardona said it’s important to preserve the language and hand it on to the next generation.

“We needed to capture the language while the Aunties are still alive, to keep the language and Malak Malak clan strong, and to pass it on to our children,” said Ms Cardona.

Matthew Shields, a Malak Malak traditional owner, was one of the first to download the app.

“This is the first time I’ve seen our language on websites. I feel really happy, I can listen to it over and over,” said Mr Shields.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour said the app is a great example of how traditional owners are driving their own development on their own land, working side-by-side with the NLC.

“The Malak Malak mob are leading the way in community development – creating a language app is a huge achievement. Keeping language alive is vital for the younger generation,” Ms Scrymgour said.

The app is organized into 22 lesson categories, such as family, animals and useful words. It contains around 200 illustrations and phrases, for example, What’s your name?/Wari ni eyiny? and region specific words, for example, Banyan tree/puenyu.

NLC Annual Report 2018-19

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 04:30:19 GMT

The Northern Land Council Annual Report 2018-19 provides a comprehensive account of the Council's performance from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019.

NT land councils want borders to remain closed

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 09:37:00 GMT

The Central Land Council and Northern Land Council call on the NT Government to keep the NT borders with all other jurisdictions closed until community transmission of COVID-19 has been eliminated in Australia.

The CLC executive resolved today that “if the government ignores our recommendation and decides to open up the Territory’s borders, it should only do this in a ‘travel bubble’”.

People from COVID hotspots anywhere in Australia must be required to undertake mandatory supervised quarantine for 14 days, the resolution states.

It says that the NT Government must implement the ‘Contain and Test Strategy’ in all remote communities, irrespective of what is in the local community’s pandemic plan.

It calls on the government to “implement a community engagement strategy so every person in a community knows what will happen if there’s an outbreak”.

It also asks the NT Chief Health Officer to immediately re-issue an order requiring everyone except for close family members to comply with physical distancing rules in public.

The Northern Land Council supports the resolution.

“I’m not at all for the borders to open on July 17,” NLC chair Samuel Bush-Blanasi said.

“Chief Minister Michael Gunner should really be talking to the land councils about reopening the border at a later date because of the hotspots in Melbourne and elsewhere,” he said.

“I’m calling on him to please talk with us and let’s consider a better outcome for everyone in the Territory.”

CLC chair Sammy Wilson added: “The safety of Territorians is the main thing and any border openings must be carefully considered by the government and the land councils together”.

Land Rights News Northern Edition June 2020

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 04:14:00 GMT

NLC update on permit conditions after 5 June 2020

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 08:04:00 GMT

Restrictions on travel to and from remote communities in the Northern Territory will be lifted on 5 June.

Those restrictions began on 26 March 2020 and applied to 76 Aboriginal communities and homelands across the NT.

Remote residents wishing to return to their communities will no longer have to quarantine for 14 days. Strict social distancing rules and hygiene protocols remain in place.

On 14 March 2020 the NLC Executive Council determined that all existing non-essential permits would be suspended and no new non-essential permits would be granted.

For the foreseeable future, the NLC will not be issuing individual recreational permits to enter Aboriginal land. To be clear, tour operators with permits issued pursuant to s. 19 ALRA agreements and that were suspended after 14 March 2020 can now apply for permits.

It is expected that these arrangements will remain in place until the Human Biosecurity Emergency period expires on 17 September 2020.

All permit applicants are still required to complete a COVID-19 travel declaration form, available at the NLC website.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour said it was important that we all remain vigilant to the return of COVID-19.

“We have been very lucky in the Northern Territory - there have been no COVID-19 cases in any remote communities or homelands. But we also know from the secondary outbreaks overseas that COVID-19 is a very dangerous disease and can come back at anytime and anywhere.

“That is why we have to stay strong and we have to keep on doing the things - social distancing and proper hygiene practices - that have kept our mob safe so far.”

Land Rights Act key to cultural integrity for the Mirarr traditional owners of Jabiru

Wed, 13 May 2020 05:08:00 GMT

The NLC has welcomed the introduction of the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Amendment (Jabiru) Bill 2020 into the Federal Parliament.

The Bill provides for the return of the Jabiru township to Aboriginal control through a township lease that will allow for the transition of the township from a mining town to a regional service centre and tourism hub that will drive economic activity throughout the west Arnhem region.

The Mirarr people have been planning for the shutdown of the nearby Ranger uranium mine in 2021 for many years and have developed a comprehensive master plan that will allow for the transformation from an economy focused on mining and ancillary services to one based on the social, cultural and natural resource wealth of the region.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour welcomed the introduction of the Bill. “On the passage of this Bill later in the year, these amendments to the Land Rights Act will return land to the control of the Mirarr traditional owners and allow for a long-term township lease of the town area that will provide future opportunities and economic and social certainty for businesses and residents at Jabiru,” she said.

“I am pleased that both the Federal and Territory governments have made substantial financial commitments to the Jabiru revitalisation plan. It is important to recognise the collaboration between the NT government and the traditional owners to develop Jabiru Kabolkmakmen Ltd, a company that will work closely with the NLC, other local agencies and ERA, the operator of the Ranger mine, to set the economic future of the township,” she said.

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi praised the commitment of the Mirarr traditional owners. “The Mirarr people have put up with uranium mining on their country for too long. It is a tribute to their strong cultural ties to country that they will now have a bright future for themselves, their kids and grandkids – not through mining on their land but by relying on their culture and tradition,” he said.

“This Bill proves the continuing importance of the Land Rights Act as a key to economic development and for cultural maintenance and integrity right across the Northern Territory. We look forward to joining the Mirarr mob for a celebration on country when their land is returned to them soon.”

Ranger Compliance Support Project Update April 2020

Sun, 19 Apr 2020 14:30:00 GMT

What you need to know about the Ranger Compliance Support Project at the NLC.

NLC's Aboriginal language short films about COVID-19

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 07:23:00 GMT

“Stay on country, care for family” in Yolngu Matha, one of 18 language messages produced by the NLC.

The NLC has produced 18 short films in NT Aboriginal languages.

The videos provide important information about the Coronavirus pandemic for Aboriginal Territorians. The short films are in the following Top End and central Australian languages: Anindilyakwa; Alyawarr; Anmatyerr; Western Arrarnta; Westside Kriol; Kunwinjku; Maung; Pintupi; Gurindji; Central Arrernte; Warumungu; Modern Tiwi; Pitjantjatjara; Burarra; Eastside Kriol; Murrinh-Patha; Warlpiri; and Yolngu Matha.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour praised the efforts of the Aboriginal Interpreter Service (AIS); “The AIS has provided a fantastic service in helping us to get this information out to our mob. Their team of highly qualified interpreters has been invaluable in producing these videos”.

Tiwi actor Robbie Collins appears in the films, supported by a cast of Darwin locals.

“It is also great to see my fellow Tiwi Islander Robbie Collins lend his skills to this project,” said Ms Scrymgour.

Read the media release here.

Watch on NLC's YouTube channel.

NLC's Chairman shares a message about Coronavirus

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 01:22:00 GMT

A message for all you mob in the NLC area from the Chairman, Samuel Bush-Blanasi. "Stay on country, look after your family and look after yourself."

New travel restrictions for communities in the NLC area

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 08:06:00 GMT

The Commonwealth government announced that from midnight, 26 March, anyone wanting to enter ‘designated areas’ in the NT will need to self-isolate for 14 days before they can enter.

The NLC – along with the other NT Land Councils – has worked closely with both the Commonwealth and NT governments in developing proper responses to the Coronavirus pandemic.

NLC staff have worked tirelessly in recent weeks to keep the 83 NLC Full Council members informed so they can keep their respective communities informed. The NLC will continue to ensure that essential services are maintained and do our best to maintain our services to remote communities and outstations, and to service providers.

“The key principle guiding all the work the NLC has been doing since this virus outbreak, is that we must keep our mob safe. We’ve had that thought front of mind with every negotiation we’ve had with governments, both Commonwealth and NT," NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour said.

“Our message to our mob in the Top End is that the safest place for us is out bush and at home. If you live out bush, stay there.

“In recent weeks we’ve been hearing a lot of hard stories from people out bush. We know that it is really hard and might get harder in the coming months. We have to stick together and get through this. So stay on country and care for family."

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said, “It is really important to understand that this Coronavirus isn’t just affecting our mob in the Top End but everyone across the NT and the rest of Australia. It’s tough times for us all, not just out bush, not just in town, but across the whole country. We’ve all got to look after each other, we’re all in this together."

In the coming days the NLC will release a series of videos in the Aboriginal languages spoken in the NLC area. They will provide more information about Coronavirus for our mob.

Public information sheet from the NT Aboriginal Land Councils

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 07:18:00 GMT

An open message to traditional owners, remote community members and the public about the coronavirus pandemic from the four land councils in the NT.

All of the Land Councils are operating as close to normal as possible and we remain committed to delivering essential services to traditional owners and community members and to continue to meet the needs of the many individuals, companies and government departments that we work closely with on a daily basis to provide those essential services.

All Land Councils are working closely with the NT Government and AMSANT to make sure that the concerns of our mob are heard and that important health information is provided.

We have never seen anything like the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic before. It is important that we all stay as informed and safe as possible. A key message from all Land Councils for people living on country is that our mob should remain on country and not travel to the major centres unless you really have to.

For our mob who are in Darwin and want to go home they should contact the Larrakia Nation’s Return to Country office next door to Centrelink at Casuarina or by free phonecall on 1800 290 659. Tangentyere has a similar service for people in Alice Springs and the numbers to call are 89514262 and 89514291.

Things will change quickly in the coming weeks and months so it is important to stay safe and informed. The best source of reliable health information for families on remote and regional communities and homelands is your local health clinic.

All Land Councils have been distributing information through their websites and Facebook pages. Please be careful about rumours and misinformation online and report any information you think is wrong or dangerous.

The best ways to stop coronavirus spreading on communities and homelands is by:

• Washing your hands properly for at least 20 seconds and with a lot with soap and water (before eating, after going to the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, when you come home from work, school or the community)

• Don’t share cigarettes or drinks

• Stay away from big crowds

• Don’t touch other people – no shaking hands or hugging – this is called ‘social distancing’. Try to keep three steps away from other people - but stay close to and care for family.

Information from Land Councils:

Northern Land Council (NLC)

Central Land Council (CLC)

Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC)

Tiwi Land Council (TLC)

Remember – Stay on Country, Care for Family - We’re all in this Together!

NLC information on accessing Top End communities

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 04:35:00 GMT

The NLC has suspended all permits to enter Aboriginal land for non-essential travel in response to COVID-19

Remote communities in the Northern Territory have been closed to all non-essential travel in response to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

What is essential travel?

Essential travel is travel to transport individuals or goods that are necessary to keep the community operating. This means that following people may continue to travel for work purposes:

• doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers and council workers;
• workers making deliveries of food or medical supplies by barge, air or road; and
• workers who are building or repairing essential community infrastructure such as housing, police stations, health centers, and power and water infrastructure.

In addition, the NLC's Nhulunbuy office will issue permits to residents to travel directly to Katherine and vice versa for essential purposes only.

All individuals visiting and working in remote communities are asked to observe safety precautions to prevent the risk of transmission and take all possible steps to minimise contact with community residents.

If you are unsure of whether you should travel to a remote community, please ring the NLC on 1800 645 299 or email at covid-19@nlc.org.au.

What if I already have a permit for remote travel?

The NLC has suspended all existing permits to Aboriginal communities for non-essential travel, for example, travel to Gunbalanya to visit the Injalak Arts Centre.

No new permits for non-essential travel will be granted until further notice.

Does the suspension apply to significant family or community events?

Any events planned which involve a number of people coming together in a confined area for an extended period of time should be postponed.

Are the requirements likely to change?

Yes, expert advice about the appropriate response to COVID-19 is constantly changing.

The NLC announces suspension of all permits to enter Aboriginal land for non-essential travel

Sat, 14 Mar 2020 09:38:00 GMT

At its meeting on 14 March 2020 the NLC Executive Council determined that all existing non-essential permits will be suspended and no new non-essential travel permits will be granted until further notice.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour said: “The NLC has received many calls from community members asking that we do all we can to ensure the safety and protection of Aboriginal people in their communities who are very concerned about the spread of COVID-19.”

“To be clear, this decision will not affect the permits issued to those people - the doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers, council workers and others – that provide essential services for Aboriginal people out bush,” said Ms Scrymgour.

The NLC Executive Council has further directed the NLC CEO to raise with the Commonwealth the concerns held by the traditional Aboriginal owners of the Kakadu National Park about continuing park access arrangements.

Any queries as to whether particular work or travel is non-essential should be directed to the NLC on (08) 8920 5100.

Remote Top End communities closed off to non-essential travel due to coronavirus - ABC News Darwin

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 14:30:00 GMT

Remote communities in the Northern Territory's Top End have been closed to all non-essential travel in response to concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

Key points:

The Northern Land Council (NLC) says all existing permits to Top End Aboriginal communities for non-essential travel will be suspended and no new permits will be granted until further notice.

The council said people who provide essential services to the community including doctors, nurses, teachers, police officers and council workers will not be affected by the ban.

Chief executive officer Marion Scrymgour said the move was to protect Aboriginal people in the communities who already faced issues like chronic health conditions, lack of resources and overcrowded housing.

"The NLC has received many calls from community members asking that we do all we can to ensure the safety and protection of Aboriginal people in their communities who are very concerned about the spread of COVID-19," Ms Scrymgour said.

"Should this virus break out in our communities, we don't have the manpower to deal with this."

She said the NLC will be launching an information campaign in Indigenous languages to inform people about hygiene, testing for coronavirus and for them to avoid travel outside communities.

NLC staff have also cancelled their non-essential travel to communities including its regional council meetings.

"Somebody could come out and they could get infected and then go back into the community," Ms Scrymgour said.

"The position we're taking is if we can push back that virus taking hold in our communities, that's a good thing. It means we can work at getting better prepared."

The decision comes after the Northern Territory Government decided it will stop its employees from making non-essential travel to remote communities.

A similar decision has also been made in the APY lands in South Australia, where visitors have been asked to sign statutory declarations about their potential exposure to the virus before being granted access to the region.

The NLC's decision will mean tourist activities like cultural tours will also be cancelled in the Top End region.

By Sowaibah Hanifie

The NLC welcomes Aboriginal ranger funding extension

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 00:30:00 GMT

The NLC welcomes the announcement that the NIAA Indigenous Ranger Program funding will be extended for seven years.

The NLC welcomes the joint announcement from the Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt and Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley that the NIAA Indigenous Ranger Program funding will be extended for seven years to 2028.

“This is fantastic news and will provide certainty and ongoing job security to the Aboriginal land and sea managers that work across the Top End of the NT and the rest of the country, all of whom work tirelessly to care for their country for the benefit of all Australians and our future generations,” said NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour.

While welcoming the announcement, Ms Scrymgour noted that more funding is needed.

“There has simply not been enough funding to meet the demand for employment out bush and to ensure that critical operational and infrastructure needs are met. More funding is required to ensure our rangers are able to work safely and effectively.

“Many of the vehicles that our rangers drive on a daily basis are worn out and urgently need replacement.”

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said it’s important for countrymen and women out bush to have more rangers working on their own country.

“We need more women and young rangers and to grow-up the Learning on Country Program, which links secondary school with real jobs as rangers,” he said.

“We also need to develop our carbon abatement programs and develop our fee for service work and take on more ranger compliance activities, including for our sea rangers.”

The funding announcement does not include those ranger groups funded by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) under the Real Jobs Program. The ILSC funding currently supports six ranger groups in the NLC region and this funding is due to expire in June 2021.

“We are also really worried that the recent announcement unfortunately does not include those ranger groups funded under the Real Jobs Program,” Mr Bush-Blanasi said.

The NLC will work closely with Minister Wyatt and the ILSC to request that all funding for Indigenous rangers is managed as one program.

“We also need to fill in the long term ‘gaps in the landscape’ where Traditional Owners have long wanted to set up new ranger programs.”

Background notes:

The NLC backs NTG's call to cancel non-essential trips to remote Aboriginal communities

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 08:56:00 GMT

The NLC's Executive Council has met with the Northern Territory Department of Health and the Danila Dilba Health Service’s CEO Ms Olga Havnen to examine strategies and information focused on protecting Aboriginal communities in the NLC’s region from the risk of coronavirus.

The NLC supports the NT Government’s call to cancel all non-essential trips to remote communities as it tries to prevent the spread of coronavirus to vulnerable populations and has taken steps to ensure that all NLC employees who have recently travelled overseas do not travel to remote communities unless they have been cleared to do so.

“We agree with the NT Government’s decision to ask all workers to cancel their trips if they are not essential and the same goes for NLC staff,” said NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour.

Ms Scrymgour will meet with NT Tourism tomorrow (March 13) to discuss how tourism operators can minimise their potential impact on remote communities.

NLC chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said the NLC is working closely with the NT Government and health service providers to ensure remote communities in the Top End of the Northern Territory are resourced and provided with appropriate information.

“We want people to really think about their need to visit remote communities. Especially if they have returned from an at risk country they must not travel to Aboriginal communities and must take every precaution.”

Darwin news - ABC News. Coronavirus in the NT and remote Aboriginal communities. Monday 9 March 2020.

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 04:01:00 GMT

Senate Order for Entity Contracts listing related to the period 1 January 2019 - 31 December 2019

Wed, 05 Feb 2020 00:09:00 GMT

Regionalisation Strategy: 'Building the Bush'

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 00:53:00 GMT

The NLC's Regionalisation Strategy – ‘Building the Bush’ will help build NLC’s regional capacity to more quickly achieve operational objectives and key organisational goals. These will underpin our future as a sustainable organisation with the ability to meet challenges further into the 21st century whilst embedding our standing as a major grassroots Aboriginal organisation.

Ranger Compliance Support Project Update Dec 2019

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 05:10:00 GMT

What you need to know about the Ranger Compliance Support Project at the Northern Land Council.

Land Rights News Northern Edition December 2019

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 03:13:00 GMT

NLC's Community Planning and Development Program - an overview

Wed, 18 Dec 2019 00:51:00 GMT

Watch this video to learn more about the NLC's Community Planning and Development Program.

Community Planning and Development Newsletter

Wed, 11 Dec 2019 23:38:14 GMT

Aboriginal groups continue to work with the NLC’s Community Planning and Development (CP&D) team to drive their own development. Through the CP&D Program Aboriginal groups use their land use agreement income to do projects that bring lasting community benefit.

Community Planning and Development Monitoring Report for 2016 to December 2018 - Executive Summary

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 23:36:08 GMT

In 2017 the CP&D team initiated a plan for ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the CP&D work to ensure its accountability to Traditional Owners. CP&D Program monitoring data collected from 2016 to 2018 was used to create a baseline report. This report outlines the key findings of the Program since its commencement in 2016 against the CP&D objectives. Findings and recommendations from this monitoring report are presented in this executive summary.

Legune Station Native Title holders reach first community development milestone

Sun, 08 Dec 2019 14:30:00 GMT

Native Title holders have been working with the NLC's Community Planning and Development (CP&D) Program to complete an upgrade of their outstation at Marralum on Legune Station.

The Legune Native Title holders negotiated for the upgrade as part of their land use agreement with Australian aquaculture company Seafarms as one strategy to drive positive change and benefit for their community.

Seafarms is developing Project Sea Dragon, a prawn aquaculture project across five sites that includes a grow-out facility at Legune Station that will produce more than 150,000 tonnes of black tiger prawns.

“We are not waiting for government to do things for us, we’re getting on with developing our communities ourselves,” said Native Title holder Marcus Simon.

“We have used money from our agreement with Seafarms to build and improve our housing at Marralum so we can live out there when jobs start at the prawn farm or with the Northern Land Council’s proposed ranger program,” Mr Simon said.

Native Title holder Bernadette Simon said: “It has been good working with NLC through its CP&D Program. It has helped us make good decisions about planning the upgrade. Now we’ve got the community up and going we can start a business plan to keep people out there and working.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity in working through the Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) process with Seafarms and NLC. The upgrade to our outstation is a great opportunity for my family and will support us into the future,” Ms Simon said.

Project Sea Dragon Managing Director Chris Mitchell said the company looks forward to further project work and cooperation with Native Title holders.

“We have a continuing relationship with the Native Title holders and are very happy that the upgrade is complete and that they are able to use Marralum to welcome Seafarms people to Country (Mantha),” said Dr Mitchell.

Dr Mitchell said the first stage of Project Sea Dragon has all material approvals in place and the company’s board is working with financiers to secure the finance necessary to enable
construction to commence as soon as possible.

“The company has undertaken preliminary works across several sites during 2019,” he added.

Northern Land Council CEO Marion Scrymgour said the successful completion of the outstation upgrade is a significant achievement for Native Title holders and their hard work
should be celebrated.

“The NLC looks forward to continuing to work with Seafarms in the implementation of the ILUA and with Native Title holders to realise the benefits of their agreement, such as the Marralum upgrade using the CP&D Program.

Indigenous Ranger Forum 2019

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 02:49:00 GMT

Hundreds of rangers from across the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland came together near Darwin in August to share their knowledge and hone their skills.

The NLC members back stability and renewal

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 02:20:00 GMT

Delegates to the 121st Full Council meeting of the NLC have voted to return Samuel Bush-Blanasi as Chairman of the NLC, with Calvin Deveraux being elected as Deputy Chair.

Speaking at the meeting at Jabiru, Mr Bush-Blanasi said he was humbled and proud to have received the endorsement of his fellow members and to be returned as NLC Chairman for a third term.

Mr Bush-Blanasi also welcomed the election of Mr Calvin Deveraux as his Deputy Chair.

“I have served the NLC for more than 27 years, including as Deputy Chair for several terms, working with esteemed Yolngu leader Wali Wunungmurra, and I look forward to another three years of service to my home community of Wugularr (Beswick) and to the traditional owners and community members of the whole of the NLC region,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

“I will continue the important work we have started with the NLC Chief Executive Officer, Marion Scrymgour, who joined the NLC in May this year. There is a lot of work to be done and Marion has done a great job getting the NLC back on track.”

Deputy Chairman Calvin Deveraux said: “I’m really looking forward to the challenges presented by the position of Deputy Chair of the NLC”.

Mr Deveraux, who had previously served as an NLC Councillor in the early 2000s, represents the Darwin/Daly/Wagait region and at age 38 stands as a strong intergenerational change for the organisation.

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour welcomed the vote of confidence in Mr Bush-Blanasi by the NLC Full Council and congratulated him, Mr Deveraux and the new Executive Council, which is made up of members drawn from each of the NLC regions.

“I look forward to further developing the already constructive relationship with Samuel and the new Executive Council team at the NLC,” she said.

The 2019-2022 Full Council Chair, Deputy Chair and Executive Council positions are as follows:

NLC Chairman: Samuel Bush-Blanasi

NLC Deputy Chair: Calvin Deveraux

NLC Executive Council:

Ngukurr region: Grace Daniels

East Arnhem region: Djawa Yunupingu

Victoria River District region: Brian Pedwell

Katherine region: Helen Lee

Darwin/Daly region: Bill Danks

West Arnhem region: Matthew Ryan

Borroloola/Barkly: Chris Neade

The NLC reinforces that any examination of Yuendumu shooting be independent and transparent

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 08:05:00 GMT

The Chairman and Members of the NLC extend their deepest sympathies to the family of Kumanjayi Walker at this difficult time.

“Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts go out to the family of that young man,” said the NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi.

“We send our support to our brothers and sisters in Yuendumu, Alice Springs and the surrounding communities. We are thinking of you mob and we stand in support of you.”

The NLC backed the Central Land Council’s call for an independent, swift and transparent inquiry and welcomes the news of a referral to the Office of the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC NT).

“The referral is timely and should provide another avenue to ensure that this matter will be investigated properly, particularly for the family,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

“We call on the NT Government to provide Commissioner Ken Fleming QC with adequate resources to undertake the investigation in a thorough and prompt
manner.

“The NT Government and the NT Police need to keep the community informed of all relevant facts in this matter so as to avoid unnecessary confusion and further heartbreak for the families involved."

Territory Q's profile of NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 23:21:00 GMT

Marion Scrymgour was the first Indigenous woman in Parliament and later became the first Indigenous leader of an Australian government in history when she was made Acting Chief Minister.

NLC to NT government: ‘Stop blaming Aboriginal people for your failures’

Sun, 13 Oct 2019 23:04:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council says Aboriginal Territorians have been betrayed by the shock announcement today that the government won’t proceed with proposed amendments to the Pastoral Land Act.

The amendments would have recognised the rights and interests of Traditional Owners when lease holders want to undertake large-scale non-pastoral use of their pastoral leases.

NLC Chief Executive Officer Marion Scrymgour today called on the government to stop making excuses for its failure to follow through on its commitments to Aboriginal Territorians.

The NLC has worked long and hard to land at a position that – to use the government’s own words – strikes a ‘fair balance’ between the rights and interests of native title holders and those of pastoral lease holders.

Ms Scrymgour noted: “There are issues of importance that the land councils and our constituents can work on with the Cattlemen’s Association, for instance the reintroduction of the NT Police Stock Squad, but on other matters we’ve agreed to disagree.

“The fact that we can’t agree with the Cattlemen’s Association about everything should not be used by the government as an excuse to walk away from this critical issue.

“The government can’t claim that there’s uncertainty on behalf of native title holders as justification for delaying this bill. There is no uncertainty with native title holders, the only uncertainty here lies with the Cattlemen’s Association.

“This is the second slap in the face for native title holders on pastoral land following their exclusion from the government’s Strategic Water Reserves Policy.

“It is particularly disingenuous of the government to refer to the opportunities for Aboriginal economic development presented by this policy when those opportunities are denied to the vast majority of native title holders.

“The government should stop blaming Aboriginal people, stop focusing on the next election and start doing what is right.

Burial & Cremation Bill fails Aboriginal people

Sat, 12 Oct 2019 14:30:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council is profoundly disappointed with the failure of the NT Legislative Assembly’s Social Policy Scrutiny Committee to address serious concerns raised by Aboriginal people about the Burial & Cremation Bill 2019.

On Tuesday 8 October 2019, the Committee handed down its report recommending the passing of the Bill. The report rejected all recommendations from submissions by Aboriginal groups and endorsed passage of the Bill without amendment. The NLC supports comments by MLA for Nhulunbuy, Yingiya Guyula, that the Bill does not properly recognise the importance to

Aboriginal people of customary burials on their land.

NLC Chief Executive Officer Marion Scrymgour said Aboriginal people should not need to seek permission for traditional burials on their country.

“Traditions around funerals and burials are of great importance to the NLC’s constituents. This includes an obligation among many clan groups as to where ceremonies and burials must take place,” said Ms Scrymgour.

“It is appropriate that an Act first drafted in 1952 be given a comprehensive overhaul. However, while the proposed legislation addresses a number of administrative problems with the Act it fails to account for contemporary Aboriginal culture in a way that we would expect in 2019. The Legislation should be able to respect the rights and culture of Aboriginal people while meeting the needs of government.”

The NLC is also critical of the unjustified increase in maximum penalties across a range of offences.

“We are greatly concerned by the 10,000% increase in maximum penalty units and the introduction of a two year prison term for burials outside of cemeteries. The provisions in the Bill risk further criminalising a population that is already drastically over-represented in the prison system,” said Ms Scrymgour.

The NT has the highest imprisonment rate in Australia and Aboriginal people make up 84 per cent of the prison population.

“It is ridiculous that any government would think a prison term is appropriate for a burial carried out in accordance with Aboriginal tradition.”

The NLC urges the Legislative Assembly to make amendments to the Bill in line with the written submissions and oral evidence given to the Committee by the land councils, other Aboriginal representative groups and Mr Guyula MLA.

Connecting school students to learn on country

Fri, 11 Oct 2019 07:00:03 GMT

A three-day Learning on Country forum took place in Darwin in September, involving more than 80 school principals, teachers, rangers and ranger coordinators, Learning on Country coordinators and Indigenous cultural advisors.

Learning on Country: connecting school students to work on country

Sun, 08 Sep 2019 14:30:00 GMT

More than 80 school principals, teachers, rangers and ranger coordinators, Learning on Country coordinators and Indigenous cultural advisors came together for a three-day Learning on Country forum in Darwin this month.

Managed by NLC’s Caring for Country branch, the Learning on Country program is a secondary school based Indigenous ranger facilitated program that links Australian curriculum subjects with field based experiential learning and data collection.

During the forum, the newly established Learning on Country Steering Committee met for the first time and one of its first actions was to elect a chairperson, Mr Lirrpiya Mununggurr, Cultural Manager for the Yirralka Rangers in Yirrikala.

The forum offered delegates opportunities for information sharing and included practitioner workshops, with presentations from teachers, researchers and education specialists about the different education and training streams available to students, and how these are being applied in schools across the Northern Territory.

Northern Land Council Learning on Country program manager Anna Morgan said the program is expected to grow over the next 12 months.

“Based on advice from the Learning on Country sites, its estimated student participation in the program’s activities will exceed 1000 students during the 2020 school year,” she said.

Currently there are 15 Learning on Country sites, including Maningrida, Yirrikala Homelands, Yirrikala, Galiwin’ku, Angurugu and Umbakumba (Groote Eylandt), Milingimbi, Ramingining, Gapuwiyak, Beswick, Barunga, Borroloola, Gunbalanya, Ngukurr and Numbulwar.

Ms Morgan said collaboration between remote community schools and Aboriginal ranger groups was essential to the success of this flagship program to deliver community identified outcomes by bringing together the school curriculum and on-country activities. Newly elected chairperson of the Learning on Country Steering Committee Mr Mununggurr said the Committee would be taking action around future proofing the program, which includes working closely with the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) with the aim of securing longer term funding.

“In addition, we will continue a program evaluation to demonstrate the cultural appropriateness and educational success achieved through student participation in the program,” Mr Mununggurr said.

NLC calls on the NT Government to delay the introduction of the Burial & Cremation Bill

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 14:30:00 GMT

The NLC's East Arnhem Regional Council has urged the NT Government to delay the introduction of the contentious Burial & Cremation Bill (2018) into the Legislative Assembly at the next sitting.

At their meeting at Nhulunbuy this week the Northern Land Council’s East Arnhem Regional Council urged the Northern Territory Government to delay the introduction of the contentious Burial & Cremation Bill (2018) into the Legislative Assembly at the next sitting.

Earlier today the MLA for Nhulunbuy, Yingiya Mark Guyula spoke about his work in expanding the definition of next of kin so it was culturally acceptable, and his concerns about the Bill.

NLC representatives from Ramingining, Milingimbi, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, Yirrkala and Blue Mud Bay communities and homeland representatives from across the East Arnhem Region raised concerns and agreed with many of the issues raised by Mr Guyula concerning the burial of their family members in the main communities and particularly on homelands throughout Arnhem Land.

“We are very worried that the Bill might prevent us from following our traditional practices that Yolngu people have practised and continue to practise for many years,” said Mr Djawa Yunupingu the Executive Member.

“We are also worried that the new penalty provisions in the Bill are too harsh,” he said.

East Arnhem Regional Council member David Rumba Rumba expressed his concerns that the proposed Bill didn’t properly recognise the importance of traditional Yolngu law for ceremonies and burials.

“We need to listen to the land. The land gives us our law and our traditional owners and Djungayi are responsible for making sure we do it the right way. If we don’t follow the law we can all get in trouble,” said Mr Rumba Rumba.

Speaking at Nhulunbuy, NLC Chairperson Samuel Bush-Blanasi said: “The NLC is preparing a submission to the Social Policy Scrutiny Committee and will carefully examine the role of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act and its application on Land Trust Land in the Burial & Cremation Bill”.

“It is of critical importance to our Members that Aboriginal Law and practices are not diminished by bureaucracy and government,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

Rangers honing their skills at 2019 Indigenous Ranger Forum

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 02:01:00 GMT

Hundreds of Indigenous rangers travelled thousands of kilometres from across the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland to learn, grow and share their knowledge last week.

Held across the harbour from Darwin, on the Cox Peninsula and hosted by the Kenbi Rangers, the three-day 2019 Indigenous Ranger Forum was a positive reflection of everything it means to be an Indigenous ranger and the key role that rangers play in caring for country.

Organised by the Northern Land Council, in partnership with the Federal Department of Agriculture, the forum had a core focus on biosecurity, as Indigenous rangers play an ever increasing role as the eyes and ears of biosecurity management across northern Australia.

In recognition of their crucial role in biosecurity compliance, it was also announced in August by Minister Lauren Moss that NT Indigenous rangers would be recognised as conservation officers under changes to the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976.

Over 400 people from over 60 different Indigenous ranger groups attended the forum, participating in over 25 workshops held on a diverse range of topics, including aquatic biosecurity, microplastics and macro debris sampling, turtle monitoring and threat mitigation strategies, crocodile management principles and practice and biocontrol of weeds and insects.

The forum opened with traditional owner Zoe Singh inviting attendees to the sea for a welcome to country.

“Traditionally we’d like to greet you at the beach for a welcome to country by wetting your head with saltwater. Our ancestors know you’re on our country and look after you while you’re here.”

Northern Land Council chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi dedicated the forum to the late Mrs Daniels OAM, who was the founder of a group of four women rangers under the old CDEP (Community Development and Employment Programs) at Ngukurr community in the Roper Valley in the mid-90s.

Mr Bush-Blanasi said the work that Indigenous rangers are doing is “the most important thing we do on country”.

“Country is important to us, especially when we’re talking about sacred sites from the sea to the land,” he said.

Mr Bush-Blanasi said it was appropriate to have the ranger forum take place on Kenbi Land, which was handed back to traditional owners in 2016, 37 years after it was first lodged.

Mardbalk ranger Nicholas Hunter said he would take the skills learned from the forum back home to the Goulburn Islands to share with his colleagues. For him, the highlight of the forum was learning how drones can enhance a ranger groups’ capabilities in compliance, fire, biosecurity and erosion management.

“Using drones can save a lot of time and help with safety, for example if you’re fire burning you wouldn’t want to get trapped in an area where someone has been burning. You can send the drones in to check and they can take video shots or do live feeds.

“Also for protection of sacred site areas and ceremony grounds, drones can be useful.”

NLC Corporate Plan 2019/20 to 2022/23

Mon, 02 Sep 2019 23:31:34 GMT

The NLC Corporate Plan provides information about the significant activities which the NLC will undertake over the four years, 2019/20 to 2022/23.

NLC Regional Councils shout out on water security crisis in the bush

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 06:07:00 GMT

The 42nd joint meeting of the NLC's Borroloola Barkly and Ngukurr Regional Councils at Robinson River heard more details about an impending water security crisis in remote communities and homelands in the NLC’s area.

The joint council meeting met with representatives of the Mungoorbada Aboriginal Corporation, which provides social and employment services to the Robinson River township and surrounding outstations, 1100km south of Darwin and 800km south-east of Katherine.

Mungoorbada representatives told the joint regional council meeting that after two dry years
the water security situation at Robinson River is dire.

“We have been told that we are in the top five on the critical list for water supply in the Katherine region,” said Mungoorbada director Freddy Jackson.

“While we are all working hard to bring social and economic development to our community, all our work may be for nothing if we haven’t got any water for community members to drink or to water our community gardens and cattle and horses.”

Chairman of the NLC’s Borroloola Barkly Regional Council, Richard Dixon, said the regional council noted that residents of Robinson River and surrounding outstations were worried about the future of their country.

“These are the traditional lands of the Garawa people and we need to live here to look after it,” said Mr Dixon.

“We want to develop our country so that our children and our children’s children have a strong, stable community and healthy country to live in.”

NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour told the joint regional council meeting that water security across the NT was a serious issue.

“Last week the NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi and I attended a meeting of all NT land councils, attended by senior NT and Federal Government officers, and one of the biggest issues we heard about from land council representatives was water security in remote townships and homelands,” Ms Scrymgour.

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi told the meeting he had heard of similar problems with water supply at Milingimbi, Goulburn Island and other communities along the northern coastline.

“Governments can talk about economic development and local decision-making all they like but if people haven’t got water to drink they can’t live on their country,” said Mr Bush-Blansi.

“We need urgent action to identify and then address these issues.”

NLC objects to the McArthur River Mine approvals

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 14:30:00 GMT

The NLC objects to Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Paul Kirby’s approval of an amendment to the existing mine management plan (MMP) for the McArthur River Mine.

The NT Environment Protection Authority have clearly warned that there is significant environment risk and uncertainty associated with the project. The report identifies that McArthur River Mining Pty Ltd has not outlined a legitimate plan to ameliorate environmental risk.

"Today's decision to approve an amendment to the Mine Management Plan is premature,” said NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour.

“Minister Kirby knows that an Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority certificate has not been obtained for the expansion of the Northern Overburden Encapsulation Facility and yet he has approved it anyhow.

"Environment Minister Eva Lawler is yet to decide on the validity of an agreement that MRM say they have reached with traditional custodians in regards to the expansion and whether the agreement satisfies s22(1)(b)of the NT Aboriginal Sacred sites Act."

On environmental issues relating to the mine, Aboriginal people in the region feel that they have been largely ignored, said Ms Scrymgour.

“This is another example in a long history of Traditional Owners being ignored. Aboriginal people in the mine area have consistently been denied involvement in decision making related to the mine, and have not seen the economic benefits that a native title mining agreement would justly bestow.”

Aboriginal people in the region harbour mistrust toward the mine and do not have confidence in both governments’ willingness and ability to protect their interests, she said.

“The NLC again calls on mine owner Glencore to formally engage with all Traditional Owners affected by the mine and to work together to manage the interests of all parties.”

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said caution should be taken in light of the mine having already caused significant environmental issues, including the improper characterisation of waste rock, lead contamination of fish in Barney Creek, plumes of smoke fumes rich in sulphur dioxide and cattle being contaminated with lead.

The NLC has specific concerns related to the discharge of lead and zinc into the McArthur River.

“The mine’s operating conditions for annual loads of lead and zinc discharged to the McArthur River are far from leading environmental management practice. They do not have a maximum set threshold for the discharge of lead and zinc. This would be of significant concern to Borroloola residents and other downstream Traditional Owners and community members,” said Mr Bush-Blanasi.

West Arnhem and Katherine Regional Councils express ‘anger and disappointment’ at health service provision out bush

Sun, 18 Aug 2019 14:30:00 GMT

At their meeting at Jabiru this week the Northern Land Council’s West Arnhem and Katherine Regional Councils passed a resolution expressing anger and disappointment at the poor state of health services for remote communities in the Katherine and West Arnhem regions.

Topics of particular concern included misdiagnosis of serious medical conditions at community clinics and the continuing crisis relating to non-existent or inappropriate morgue facilities in
the larger remote communities.

While accepting that staff at regional clinics undertake important work in difficult circumstances Regional Council members were concerned that the resources and level of service available was not equivalent to the standard of care provided in the main Territory population centres of Darwin and Alice Springs.

Noting that the Commonwealth Government has significant responsibility for remote area health funding, the resolution calls for both the Commonwealth and NT Governments to address this issue. Former Commonwealth Health Ministers (in particular Minister Woolridge) acknowledged the issue of the shortfall in MBS/PBS funding flowing to remote Territory residents on a per-capita basis, in comparison with people living in Darwin.

Members also expressed their disappointment at the perceived failure of the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory (AMSANT) to adequately advocate the concerns of their remote, regional and homelands communities in respect of these issues. Regional Council members called on Federal Government Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt, along with his colleague the Federal Health Minister Hon Greg Hunt to immediately review all primary, acute health and medical service provision, and the funding of those services across the NLC regions in the NT.

Senate Order for Entity Contracts listing related to the period 1 July 2018 - 30 June 2019

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 01:12:00 GMT

Blue Mud Bay: NLC welcomes historic Nitmiluk agreement between first nations peoples, fishing industry and government

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 14:30:00 GMT

For the first time since the Blue Mud Bay Decision by the High Court of Australia in 2008, a vision to resolve Blue Mud Bay has been realised in a Heads of Agreement signed today at the 120th Full Council meeting of the Northern Land Council at Nitmiluk near Katherine in the Northern Territory.

The NLC recognizes the five years of hard work by the NLC’s Sea Country Working Group Working along with the Northern Territory Government, the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT, the NT Seafood Council, and the NT Guided Fishing Industry Association as key industry bodies.

Most importantly, this work was done with and on behalf of the first nations people that have rights, interests and responsibilities along the more than 6,000 kilometres of Territory coastline.

It is timely that we celebrate this agreement on the eve of the 11th anniversary of the 2008 High Court decision in the case bought by the Blue Mud Bay traditional owners.

This is an historic day that shows that when first nations people are given the resources, support and recognition by government and industry we can reach agreement of very complex matters. For all traditional owners this is an example of Makarrata at work and we hope that government and the people of the NT will embrace our willingness to reach agreement for the benefit of all Territorians.

Community Planning and Development Newsletter

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 23:29:06 GMT

Protocols for media on Aboriginal Land

Fri, 17 May 2019 04:38:00 GMT

Compensation awarded in Timber Creek in Australian first

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 04:15:00 GMT

Twenty years after the native title holders of Timber Creek – five estate groups of the Ngarliwurru and Nungali peoples – filed their original native title claim, the High Court of Australia has awarded them compensation for the loss of native title rights over parts of the land within the town area.

By Cath McLeish*

The High Court decision in Northern Territory v Griffiths [2019] HCA 7 of 13 March 2019 comes eight years after the compensation claim was made in the Federal Court, and treads a path for other groups around Australia to follow.

The Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) provides a clear right to compensation for ‘extinguishment’ of native title. Extinguishment is the loss of native title rights due to government acts acquiring country or granting it to another party. Australians’ right to compensation ‘on just terms’ for government acquisition of property has existed in the Australian Constitution since 1901. However, the law currently only provides for compensation where the extinguishment occurred after 1975, since the passage of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) made it illegal to treat any racial group less favourably than others.

Until the Griffiths decision, it was not clear how native title holders could calculate the amount of compensation to which they are entitled. Now, the High Court has expressed some important principles, which other native title holder groups can interpret for their own unique circumstances.

The first of the three elements of the Timber Creek claim is economic loss. The High Court, disappointingly, ruled that the non-exclusive native title in Timber Creek is only relative to 50% of the value of freehold (or privately owned) land. This approach provides an award of $320,250 for Timber Creek, measured according to land values at the time of the extinguishment. Previously, the trial judge, Mansfield J, awarded 80% of the freehold value, and the Full Federal Court on appeal awarded 65%. The High Court held that the absence of rights to exclude others from the country or decide how the land may be used were important limitations on the native title and its economic value. The decision does suggest, however, that exclusive native title elsewhere could be valued equally to freehold.

The second element is the interest on the economic loss, from the dates of the extinguishing acts to the date of the court award. The claim was for ‘compound’ interest, that is, the higher interest rate that can be earned on investments, but this was unsuccessful in all three courts, with the High Court confirming that ‘simple’ interest applied. Due to the 25 to 39 years since each extinguishing act, the rate of interest is a valuable component of the award, at $910,000. It is rare to receive compound interest in the courts generally, but there could be other native title cases where it is achievable.

The third element is cultural loss – the effect on the claim group’s spiritual connection with the country. It is this aspect of the decision that captures the unique strength of Ngarliwurru and Nungali culture, and guarantees that Australian law recognises the pain and suffering caused by extinguishing native title over parts of country. Although the claim group and the NT and Commonwealth governments had agreed, early on, that the claim should include these three elements, it is a fact of litigation that each side raises their strongest arguments against the other.

In the High Court appeal, around forty native title holders listened in court as the governments’ lawyers argued that the extinguishment was not the direct cause of their sense of cultural loss and pain, analysing each town block separately. The Northern Territory government argued that the cultural loss should only be worth 10% of the economic value of the parcels of land in the claim. However, in maintaining Justice Mansfield’s award of $1.3 million, the High Court looked at country more holistically, and awarded slightly more for cultural loss than for economic loss ($1.23 million including interest).

The High Court’s measure for compensation for cultural loss is a ‘social judgement… of what, in the Australian community, at this time… is appropriate, fair or just’. This loss of ‘spiritual connection’ goes far beyond the concept of ‘loss of enjoyment of life’ from personal injury law, because, as the High Court recognised, Aboriginal spiritual connection is ‘a defining element in a view of life and living’. The court recognised that the loss of native title rights is different from any European concept of a loss of land, as it arises ‘under traditional laws and customs which owe their origins and nature to a different belief system’.

The decision confirms that ‘the people, the ancestral sprits, the land and everything on it are organic parts of one indissoluble whole’. The Court adopted Mansfield J’s description of the claim group’s spiritual connection to country as ‘A single large painting – a single and coherent pattern of belief in relation to a far wider area of land’. The Ngarliwurru and Nungali peoples still possess native title or land rights over most of their country beyond the town, and, along with other peoples throughout the region, keep their culture strong. However, the High Court recognised that the extinguishment over blocks of land in Timber Creek has ‘punched holes’ in that painting, damaging the integrity of the cultural landscape.

Thanks to masterful explanations of country and culture by many senior knowledge holders, particularly Mr A. Griffiths and Mr J. Jones who sadly passed on before this final outcome, the Griffiths decision recognises the interconnectedness of everything on country, rejecting a technical block-by-block interpretation. Recognising the strength of the Ngarliwurru and Nungali peoples’ culture reflects the strength of Indigenous cultures across Australia. The court also confirmed that the loss of native title is ‘permanent and intergenerational’, and that the loss of native title ‘had ongoing present day repercussions’.

Lorraine Jones, who has been an Applicant on the claim since it began, paid respects to her father and the other old people whose senior knowledge and leadership drove these claims throughout the last twenty years. “I really deeply wish that they were still around to see this outcome,” Lorraine told the ABC. “I wish they were here with us today to celebrate, the good news or the bad news.” Chris Griffiths, whose father gave his name to the case, said that although the reduction in the economic valuation is disappointing, recognition of their spiritual connection was “what our old people wanted”. “Our culture is still alive, our law is still in the land, our blood is still running in the country, our tears will fall on the land.”

It is possible that other native title holders can achieve higher compensation amounts where they have exclusive native title, or where the area of extinguishment is a larger portion of their country and cultural landscape, or perhaps where the economic value or use of the land is greater than that in the small town of Timber Creek. This area of law has a long way to develop, and will adapt to the range of unique cultures and circumstances around Australia.

For reasons of time, cost and fair process, focus is already turning to compensation negotiations, and to establishing a system that can support native title holders to access compensation without spending twenty years in the courts. In the new era of treaty talk, Griffiths also contributes to national considerations of non-discrimination, dispossession, and sovereignty. Traditional owners who cannot access post-1975 native title compensation will certainly lead discussions on redress outside of the present native title system.

To inform these developments, all around Australia, governments, native title holders and other land users such as mining companies are studying the Griffiths decision. What they will find is binding legal recognition of the real economic value of native title, as well as the unique cultural value of country.

The NLC congratulates all native title holders of Timber Creek, past, present and future for their achievement in paving a way forward for others to follow. They can be proud that, together, they have won compensation on just terms for the current and future generations.

*Cath McLeish is a Senior Legal Advisor with the NLC (Victoria River District) and has assisted in this case since 2017.

“It took us 20 years, but we finally got it!” Native Title finally recognised in Pine Creek

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 01:34:00 GMT

The Wagiman and Jawoyn Bolmo, Matjba and Wurrkbarbar groups have been recognised as the native title holders of the town of Pine Creek at a determination ceremony held on country, two decades after the first claim was lodged.

More than 160 people gathered at Heritage Park on 9 April 2019 as Justice White of the Federal Court recognised mostly exclusive native title in and around the town of Pine Creek, covering an area of approximately 12 square kilometres. It was the first time the Federal Court has sat in Pine Creek.

It was a day of celebration for senior Wagiman Elder George Jabul Huddleston who, along with his brothers made some of the first claims to native title over Pine Creek.

“It’s a really important thing. We like to get it back this country. I’m happy. For my mum and dad, my brothers I’m happy,” he said. “Of my four brothers, I am the only one left. I went four times for hearings to give evidence. I am happy to get back the land.”

Senior Wurrkbarbar woman Bessie Coleman said it had been a long battle but justice had finally been won.

“It took us 20 years, but we finally got it,” she said. “All the years I grew up in this town we had no voice. We finally got there. I learnt a lot from the senior women and men. They started it off. We finished it off.”

For the claimants and their families, the resolution of their native title claim over Pine Creek is an important milestone for three reasons.
Firstly, it recognises the traditional ownership of the Town of Pine Creek by the Wagiman people and the Jawoyn Matjba, Bolmo and Wurrkbarbar groups through their shared connection to the land.

Secondly, the determination recognises the native title claimants always had, and still have, a special relationship with, and traditional rights in, the land and waters of the claim area.

Thirdly, it provides the native title claimants with an opportunity to have input into any future uses of their country. It is also significant for the children and grandchildren of those persons who will carry this legacy into the future.

Mick Markham, Jawoyn elder, said the decision would bring certainty for the future of the town. “Thank you to our elders who fought this for 20 years. They started this. And it’s a special day of remembrance for them. This determination will free up a lot of the blocks here. People from the communities can move in and buy a block, and live in this town,” he said.

For the native title claimants, the determination marked the end of a long journey started by some of those who were present and many more who have since passed. A minute of silence was held to recognise those who have passed away since this process began.

“I would like to pay respects to the old ones who have passed and are not here to celebrate this achievement, to getting the land back after 20 years,” said Wagiman woman Elizabeth Sullivan.

“I celebrate this success and significant milestone in Wagiman history in knowing that Pine Creek and its surrounds have been returned to the Wagiman people.”
Ms Sullivan also paid tribute to NLC staff for their hard work in reaching this day.

“I would like to thank the Honourable Justice White for the return of our traditional lands under Native Title, and the NLC Legal representatives for their perseverance and commitment for pursuing this Native Title Claim on our behalf.

Exclusive possession native title is the highest recognition capable under Australian property law, giving Wagiman and Jawoyn Bolmo, Matjba and Wurrkbarbar native title holders the same rights as private land owners. Existing roads and private land will not be affected by the determination.
As well as exclusive native title, the determination also recognises a right to “access and take resources for any purpose” – i.e. including commercial purposes and not limited to personal or domestic purposes.

This right was first recognised in the Northern Territory in the town of Borroloola in August 2016.

The native title determination in Pine Creek marks the second time the Northern Territory has agreed to recognise this right by consent, following the town of Larrimah determination in October 2018.

Land Rights News Northern Edition April 2019

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 01:25:00 GMT

Native Title over Pine Creek finally recognised

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 04:33:00 GMT

The Wagiman and Jawoyn Bolmo, Matjba and Wurrkbarbar groups were today recognised as the native title holders of the town of Pine Creek at a dedication ceremony held in the town, 20 years after it was lodged

More than 160 people gathered at Heritage Park, Pine Creek as Justice White of the Federal Court recognised mostly exclusive native title in and around the town of Pine Creek, covering an area of approximately 12km2. It was the first time the Federal Court has sat in Pine Creek.

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi said: “Congratulations to the native title holders on this historic achievement. It has been a long time coming. This is a great day for the Wagiman and Jawoyn Bolmo, Matjba and Wurrkbarbar people. Thank you to NLC staff and consultants for their hard work especially over the last three years, and in particular NLC lawyer David Spicer-Harden.”

George Jabul Huddleston, senior Wagiman Traditional Owner, and his brothers made some of the first claims to native title over Pine Creek. “It’s a really important thing. We like to get it back this country. I’m happy. For my mum and dad, my brothers I’m happy. Of my four brothers, I am the only one left. I went four times for hearings to give evidence. I am happy to get back the land. I am happy now,” he said.

Senior Jawoyn Wurrkbarbar woman Bessie Coleman said: “On behalf of the three clan groups, Jawoyn Bolmo, Matjba and Wurrkbarbar, and the Wagiman, it took us 20 years, but we finally got it.”

“All the years I grew up in this town we had no voice. We finally got there. I learnt a lot from the senior women and men. They started it off. We finished it off.”

For the claimants and their families, the resolution of their native title claim over Pine Creek is an important milestone for three reasons.

Firstly, it recognises the traditional ownership of the Town of Pine Creek by the Wagiman people and the Jawoyn Matjba, Bolmo and Wurrkbarbar through their shared connection to the land upon which we meet today.
Secondly the determination recognises the native title claimants always had, and still have, a special relationship with, and traditional rights in, the land and waters of the claim area.

Thirdly it provides the native title claimants with an opportunity to have input into any future uses of their country. It is also significant for the children and grandchildren of those persons who will carry this legacy into the future.

The first native title claim over Pine Creek was lodged in 1999.

NLC media contact: Martha Tattersall 0427 031 382

Pine Creek Native Title Determination Ceremony

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 04:49:00 GMT

The Federal Court of Australia will hold a special hearing in Pine Creek at 11am on Tuesday 9 April 2019 to recognise native title rights and interests over the town.

Date : Tuesday 9 April 2019

Time : 11am

Where : Heritage Park, Pine Creek NT. Wet weather option: Community Hall, Pine Creek NT.

This Native Title Determination recognises mostly exclusive native title in and around the town of Pine Creek, covering an area of approximately 12km ² .

On Tuesday Justice White will recognise exclusive native title over much of the town of Pine Creek. He will also recognise a right to “access and take resources for any purpose” – i.e. including commercial purposes and not limited to personal or domestic purposes. This right was first recognised in the Northern Territory in the town of Borroloola in August 2016. The native title determination in Pine Creek marks the second time the Northern Territory has agreed to recognise this right by consent, following the town of Larrimah determination in October 2018.

The first native title claim over Pine Creek was lodged 20 years ago. This will be the first time the Federal Court has sat in Pine Creek.

Meet NLC CEO Marion Scrymgour

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 03:41:00 GMT

Tiwi woman Marion Scrymgour has today been announced as the new CEO of the Northern Land Council, the first woman to hold the CEO position at any Northern Territory land council.

Ms Scrymgour is the current CEO of the Tiwi Islands Regional Council and a former member of the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly.

In 2000, she became the first Aboriginal woman to be elected to the Legislative Assembly, representing the electorate of Arafura from 2001 to 2012.

Prior to her entrance into politics, she was the CEO of the Wurli-Wurlinjang Aboriginal Health Service and the first CEO of Katherine West Aboriginal Health Board. She co-ordinated community care trials and health service provision throughout the Katherine West region.

“I am realistic that there are big challenges ahead but I look forward to working with the Executive and the Full Council and getting around the regions to meet council members, staff and constituents,” said Ms Scrymgour.

Chairman of the NLC Samuel Bush-Blanasi said: “We welcome Marion’s return to the land council after too many years away and look forward to working closely with her during the years ahead.”

NLC welcomes High Court judgment of native title compensation at Timber Creek

Tue, 12 Mar 2019 14:30:00 GMT

The NLC interim CEO, Jak Ah Kit, today welcomed the High Court’s judgment which awarded compensation of $2,530,350 to the Ngaliwurru and Nangali peoples – including $1.3 million for cultural loss – for the extinguishment of native title by NT Government grants of land since 1975.

“This is a landmark decision which sets the rules and means that future claims can be negotiated without the expense and delay of litigation”, Mr Ah Kit said.

“While the High Court reduced the Full Federal Court’s award of $2,899,446 – which itself reduced the original award by the trial Judge of $3,300,661 – it must be remembered that this is new law and each of these amounts were in the range of what is reasonable.”

“What is important is that the component of $1.3 million for cultural loss was upheld by all High Court and Federal Court Judges”, Mr Ah Kit said.

“This important finding means that the spiritual connection of Aboriginal people to their country is paramount in Australian law – as it should be. Today’s decision is the end of ground breaking native title litigation by the Ngarliwurru and Nungali peoples – the native title holders of the town of Timber Creek in the Victoria River District.”

“In some cases, especially where sacred sites have been damaged in the past, the amount of compensation could be quite substantial,” Mr Ah Kit said.

“But the first step will always be to try and agree to compensation without litigation, and the High Court’s judgment shows the way forward for collaborative outcomes.”

Audit Committee exonerates NLC Executive Council over conflict of interest claims

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 14:30:00 GMT

The NLC interim CEO, Jak Ah Kit, today welcomed the NLC Audit Committee’s recognition that Executive Council members properly handled concerns about conflicts of interest.

“I thank the Audit Committee for confirming that the NLC Chairman, Deputy Chairman, and Executive Council members, properly and appropriately handled perceptions of a conflict of interest, in relation to leasing of the NLC Darwin office, and mustering and safari hunting agreements,” Mr Ah Kit said.

“We always knew there was never any conflict of interest, and the Full Council is pleased that that issue has been put to bed.”

Mr Ah Kit also welcomed today’s agreement with the Indigenous Affairs Minister, Senator Nigel Scullion, that there would be a collaborative review by an external financial consultant of the Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG) in collaboration with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and the NLC Audit Committee.

“This is a positive outcome which sets AIG up for the future, and I thank Senator Scullion for his contribution”, Mr Ah Kit said.

“The review will result in improved operations and reporting, and consideration of options for structural reform.”

“The NLC and AIG are not afraid of change”, Mr Ah Kit said.

“This is an important opportunity for AIG to deliver more practical outcomes to improve the lives of Aboriginal people in remote communities, such as the Barunga laundry project announced last week.”

RESOLUTION

8 MARCH 2019

That the Full Council of the Northern Land Council (NLC):

1. Thanks the former CEO, Joe Morrison, for his years of service to the NLC and traditional owners.

2. Welcomes the opportunity provided by the Indigenous Affairs Minister, Senator Nigel Scullion, to meet and discuss matters of common interest.

3. Notes that on 24 October 2018 the Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG) offered to resolve the question of rent for the Darwin office by AIG and the NLC agreeing to that the question be referred to binding arbitration, and instructs the interim CEO as a matter of urgency to appropriately and promptly resolve the issue of rent.

4. Notes that the Audit Committee confirmed today that Executive Council members properly and appropriately handled perceptions of a conflict of interest in relation to leasing of the NLC Darwin office due to being AIG directors.

5. Notes that the Audit Committee confirmed today that the NLC Chairman and Deputy Chairman properly and appropriately handled perceptions of a conflict of interest due to having a traditional interest in mustering and safari hunting agreements.

6. Notes AIG advice that its financial position is stable and secure.

7. Instructs the interim CEO in consultation with the Chair of the Audit Committee and the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to engage an external financial consultant with funds provided by the Indigenous Affairs Minister to prepare a report assessing AIG’s financial position, options for improved governance and reporting arrangements, and any potential exposure of the NLC for consideration by the Audit Committee and the Full Council.

Minister's extraordinary Full Council meeting

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 05:05:00 GMT

The interim NLC CEO, Dr Jak Ah Kit, today slammed the Indigenous Affairs Minister, Senator Nigel Scullion, for dismissing the NLC’s decision to also meet on Thursday 7 March 2019 (the day prior to the Minister’s extraordinary Full Council meeting on 8 March 2019) to discuss an Audit Committee report and a written opinion by Raelene Webb QC as “political games”.

Report into detriment review tabled in Parliament

Wed, 20 Feb 2019 14:30:00 GMT

The Aboriginal Land Commissioner’s Report on the review of detriment into Aboriginal Land Claims recommended for grant but not yet finalised was tabled in Parliament on Thursday, 21 February 2019.

The report provides advice on 16 longstanding Aboriginal land claims, from as early as 1981, in the Northern Territory that have been recommended for grant but not yet granted. They date from 14 to 38 years ago (1981 to 2004).

Ordinarily the Commissioner would not have a function to perform in respect of claims already recommended for grant. However in July 2017 the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Senator the Hon Nigel Scullion, requested the advice of the Commissioner under s 50(1)(d) of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (ALRA) in relation to the status of detriment issues associated with these claims.

Settlement negotiations will be assisted significantly by the detriment review.

Twelve of the 16 claims relate to land which comprise beds and banks of rivers and/or the intertidal zone.

Major submissions on detriment concern the interests of recreational and commercial fishers, and of pastoralists – represented by the Amateur Fishermen’s Association of the NT (AFANT), the NT Seafood Council (NTSC) and the NT Cattlemen’s Association (NTCA).

The report notes that the concerns of recreational fishers and pastoralists can be accommodated by adopting the proposals put forward by the NLC on behalf of traditional owners, which would allow activities to continue after the grants of the claimed areas.

For recreational fishers, activities could continue thanks to a permit system administered by the NLC. In the report, the Commissioner says the NLC’s proposed system is a satisfactory one, both in its ambit and in its procedures.

While a permit system has been in place for many years, NLC constituents and the public have been calling for improvements for some time. The NLC is currently developing a new and easy-to-use permit system that will better protect Aboriginal rights and interests and better serve the needs and interests of visitors to Aboriginal land.

The new permit system will improve management and regulate access to traditional lands; ensure visitors understand their obligations under the law and are safe and informed while visiting Aboriginal land; protect and promote Aboriginal rights, interests and culture, and promote mutual respect between Traditional Owners and visitors; enable NLC and Traditional Owners to track trends in visitor numbers, feedback and compliance hotspots; and be modern, intuitive, responsive and reliable.

The new system is expected to be in place later in 2019, ensuring a long lead time to add areas to the permit system as land is granted and instructions obtained.

While the Commissioner concedes one ongoing detriment will be the need to obtain a permit, he says “This is a minor matter where it can be obtained, on-line, and there are a range of options to suit most fishing needs.”

The other ongoing detriment will be the fee payable for the permit, after a generous moratorium period. “That too is a minor matter, not shown to be significant except in a general way and which should not impede the significant majority of fishers.”

In relation to pastoralists, the NLC has proposed a licence to allow pastoralists to carry out their activities in the use of the claimed areas.

Under section 11A of ALRA, agreements can be made between the NLC and another party that only come into effect if and when the land is granted.

The view of the NLC is that the agreements would be mutually beneficial and we welcome the opportunity to work with pastoralists toward this goal.

The Commissioner has outlined that the proposal from the NLC appears to be a satisfactory one.

The Commissioner’s recommendation is that such detriment claims should not stand in the way of the grants of the lands claimed.

Senator Scullion said in a statement: “All parties with an interest in the land claims reported on by the Commissioner will be given the opportunity to comment on the report before the Minister makes any decision about whether to proceed with the recommendations for grants of land under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.”

“It is critical that this many years into the process we do all we can to help settle outstanding claims to provide certainty and opportunity to all Territorians. I also maintain my commitment to work with all stakeholders to ensure that detriment issues are resolved.

“My commitment to the resolution of outstanding land claims has been supported by additional investment in the Aboriginal Land Commissioner, Northern Territory Land Councils and other stakeholders.”

Senate Order for Entity Contracts listing related to the period 1 January 2018 - 31 December 2018

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 06:04:00 GMT

NLC welcomes new Treaty Commissioner

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 00:50:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council welcomes the appointment of Professor Michael Dodson AM to the role of Northern Territory Treaty Commissioner.

NLC and CLC Joint Submission to the Economic Policy Scrutiny Committee

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 06:44:00 GMT

Northern Land Council and Central Land Council Joint Submission to the Economic Policy Scrutiny Committee Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill 2018.

NLC Governance Issues and NLC Chief Executive Officer arrangements

Sun, 03 Feb 2019 10:30:00 GMT

Statement from NLC Interim Acting CEO Rick Fletcher

In light of recent media reports I have decided to make the following statement.

I was verbally advised by members of the NLC Executive Council on Friday 1 February 2019 that my appointment as Interim Acting CEO would cease on Monday 4 February. I was not advised who the new acting CEO would be. I have received no written lawful notice of my termination to date. I have similarly received no written lawful notice of any new appointment.

In light of the ongoing instability within the NLC I have asked the Minister for Indigenous Affairs the Hon Senator Nigel Scullion to act urgently and convene an NLC Full Council meeting and to seek that an independent person be appointed acting CEO until the current governance issues within the NLC are resolved.

The NLC has provided stable administration to its constituents since my appointment on 1 December 2018 and I have kept members of the NLC Full Council informed of important developments in relation to the governance of the NLC.

Mr Rick Fletcher
Acting Interim CEO

NLC welcomes new Aboriginal Affairs minister

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 04:20:00 GMT

The NLC welcomes the announcement today of Ms Selena Uibo as the new Minister Aboriginal Affairs in the Northern Territory Government.

1970s Aboriginal children’s art offers window into history

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 04:13:00 GMT

A project to reunite children’s drawings from the 1970s with their original Yolngu artists is now underway involving Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre in Yirrkala and the National Museum of Australia.

Included among the collection are drawings by Rirratjingu leader and original member of Yothu Yindi Witiyana Marika, NATSIA-award winning artist Wukun Wanambi, and current principal of Yirrkala School Merrkiyawuy Ganambar.

The drawings, done between 1975 and 1977, were collected to form part of a book called “The Aboriginal Children’s History of Australia: Written and Illustrated by Australia’s Aboriginal Children”, published in 1977.

The 346 drawings done by students at Yirrkala School, Dhupuma College and Milingimbi School, which have been returned to Yirrkala art centre, are just a tiny piece of the collection, with 3383 illustrations gathered from 70 schools Australia-wide.

Merrkiyawuy Ganambar was a student at Dhupuma College when her class was asked to take part in the project.

“I think we had to do three things that was happening at that time: one was the beginning, what they call the Dreamtime stories, the story of how life happened and that’s why I drew the two sisters down on the beach, and then the next one was what’s happening now, and the last one was what would you like to see in the future?”

Her drawings include a beautiful weeping brolga in front of setting sun; a depiction of the dreamtime story of Djankawu and Barrama, who divided Yolngu into two groups: Dhuwa and Yirritja; and a drawing of Tamarind trees at Drimmie Head, which were introduced by the Macassans and used by Yolngu to make a cough syrup. Each is accompanied by a description in her own words.

“[The teachers] said: ‘what would you like people to know about your country, or what’s happening on your country, on your land, at the moment, and history about your country, or stories of the Dreamtime?’” she remembers.

The final book published around 100 illustrations and stories and is divided into six categories: Dreaming, Old Time, The Macassans, The Whitefellas, Today and My Country . It includes works from all states except Victoria and Tasmania.

Three of Merrkiyawuy’s illustrations made it into the final book, and she was then asked to take part in a media tour around the country to launch it.

“I was 14 years old. I can’t remember [much]. I remember Melbourne because that’s where I met grandad – my great uncle,” she recalls. “My mother’s uncle was living there, Wandjuk. He lived in Melbourne at the time, Chairman for the Aboriginal Arts Board as it was called then, so he came on TV on the show with me.”

It was the then Aboriginal Arts Board, part of the Australia Council for the Arts, and chaired by Rirratjingu painter, actor, composer and land rights activist, Wandjuk Marika, which sponsored the project.

Mr Marika writes in the foreword:

“This is a unique book. It is the story of Australia as told and illustrated by the Aboriginal children of Australia.”

“Through the honest eyes and minds of children, a new vision of Australia is unfolded – the Australia of the Dreamtime.

“Through the natural simplicity of their words and paintings, they convey their enjoyment and enthusiasm for the land which has been theirs for over 40,000 years.”

A Northern Territory perspective

From the Northern Territory, more than 900 works were collected from schools including Kormilda College, Port Keats School, Wave Hill Station School, Oenpelli School, Milingimbi School, Daly River and Wattie Creek.

They include a drawing of Murinbata man Nemarluk who was jailed in Darwin for killing two Japanese soldiers and escaped and swam across Darwin harbour to his country of Port Keats. There are Dreaming stories, the arrival of the Macassans to Arnhem Land in search of trepang (sea cucumber) and depictions of bauxite mining at Gove.

Rirritjingu leader Witiyana Marika drew his homeland of Gulurunga. When his drawing is returned to him, he points out the sand dunes and river, Yolngu people camped at the bay and a Macassan boat at sea. He was 13 when he did this drawing and remembers his teacher, Mr Turner, telling the class to draw something for a children’s book.

A unique window into history

Renowned anthropologist Professor Howard Morphy, who connected the National Museum of Australia with the Yirrkala Art Centre, says the illustrations have historic significance.

“The collection is a phenomenal resource for many reasons – it provides a unique window into Indigenous children’s sense of their place in history nearly 50 years ago; it provides early works by Indigenous Australian children who have subsequently played important roles in their communities and some of whom have become artists later in life; it is also going to be the source of sadness in many cases and joy in others.”

“It is a huge resource that will increase in its significance over time as there are no equivalents. Interestingly there is no similar resource on non-Indigenous children from that era, though one could probably be put together from different sources at enormous expense,” he says.

“Indeed it is an example of one of the many innovative initiatives developed by the Australia Council’s Aboriginal Arts Board in its early years that shows what government arts funding can do. But it does need to be followed up to return value into the future.”

That is indeed the plan. The National Museum of Australia, which has held the works since 1991, is digitising the drawings and hoping to reunite copies with the original artists. Many of the drawings are already accessible on the National Museum of Australia website.

Chairwoman of Artback NT Denise Sylvestro, says an exhibition and tour of the works is the sort of thing Artback NT would be interested in supporting.

“I would imagine, yes. They are absolutely amazingly beautiful works and they are very significant works because they come from the 70s and it’s the children’s reflection of how the children perceived their community and I think this is definitely something that Artback would be interested in,” she said.

“The role of Artback is to help promote, develop and tour art that is relevant to the Territory and we are particularly interested in assisting remote communities to have access to such exhibitions.”

Dr Ian Coates, head of the Collections Development Team at the National Museum of Australia says the museum is keen to get the drawings into circulation again so people can see the way that Aboriginal children at that time saw Australian history. He says it tells a unique story about how children viewed their world.

“It’s kind of interesting that from Yirrkala, there’s quite a few drawings about the Bauxite mine, there’s drawings about the arrival of [Wilbur] Chaseling [founder of Yirrkala mission in 1935], the mission. But there’s also drawings about Captain Cook arriving and then there are some drawings which conflate all those elements to a history, so it’s pretty amazing.”

“When we do projects in particular communities, we do kind of take copies of those drawings back to those places,” he says. “But there hasn’t been a single project to reunite those drawings with communities as yet.”

“We are putting together an application for funds to cover the basic research needed to link the works with communities and to prepare the information needed for a possible exhibition.”

“The research will be collaborative and the plans of any exhibition will be developed with the artists’ communities.”

For Merrkiyawuy Ganambar, now she has seen the collection of children’s drawings from her childhood, she would like to see a similar project done with today’s students, and a new book published in comparison.

“I would love to have a similar one, like this, with the kids now. Make another book like this [showing] what they understand about the past, the beginning, what they understand about things happening now. I think it would be a big jump and a big contrast from this book if they do that.”

The drawings from the 1970s are done mostly in a western style – blue ocean, green hills, sun in the top corner.

“I think our children now would do a bit of bark painting and stories, especially of the land.”

“At that time it wasn’t something we thought about. We weren’t encouraged but then at that time we weren’t allowed to because the old people said it was too secret for a little girl like you.”

“I’d like to see it toured around Australia.”

Yolngu who attended Yirrkala School, Dhupuma College and Milingimbi School in the 1970s and who think their work might be in the collection can contact Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre at art@yirrkala.com for a copy of their work.

Artists can also search the National Museum of Australia collection online .

Some of the children's drawings from Arnhem Land in the 1970s.

Artists can search for their drawings at the National Museum of Australia online collection .

Carbon farming supports Yugul Mangi culture camp for young people

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 06:57:10 GMT

The Yugul Mangi Rangers ran a two-day culture camp in September 2018. Traditional Owners from the South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area (SEAL IPA) supported the camp using income from the carbon farming work of their rangers.

The camp was held at Namiilliwirri outstation, just outside of Ngukurr community. The Ngukurr school and Ngukurr Language Centre supported the Rangers. In total, forty-six people took part in the camp including 17 school students. All the young people enjoyed learning from the Elders and Yugul Mangi Rangers who led the camp and the bush classroom.

Bush Classroom Activities

On the first day, the students arrived at the outstation and set up their tents. The first activity was a talk by Winston Thompson, Yugul Mangi Assistant Ranger Coordinator. He talked about kinship and skin groups. The Rangers then took the students for a walk around the billabong to look at native plants and learn their traditional names and uses. They also talked about the work of the rangers and how they built an exclusion fence around the billabong to keep the buffalo out.

On the second day, Clarry Rogers talked to the students more about the ranger’s work and then took students for a walk to look for sugar bags and bush medicine.

In the afternoon, the Ngukurr Language Centre ran lessons with the students on the Nunggubuyu and Rembarunga languages. That night, the students performed Bunggul with the help of the rangers and elders and learnt about sharing stories through dance.

The NLC’s Caring for Country and Community Development & Planning units are working with the SEAL IPA Advisory Committee to plan projects using some of their income from carbon abatement work. The Advisory Committee has a vision for a culture project and this camp is their first project. They are collaborating with the local ranger groups in Ngukurr and Numbulwar to deliver two culture camps.

Overall, it was a great camp. The kids learnt a lot from the senior people about country, looking after country and their culture. Everyone worked together to make the trip successful. Thanks to all those involved.

Carbon farming supports Yugul Mangi culture camp for young people

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 04:19:00 GMT

The Yugul Mangi Rangers ran a two-day culture camp in September 2018. Traditional Owners from the South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area (SEAL IPA) supported the camp using income from the carbon farming work of their rangers.

Bush Classroom Activities

On the second day, Clarry Rogers talked to the students more about the ranger’s work and then took students for a walk to look for sugar bags and bush medicine.

Waanyi-Garawa ranger presents at international conference

Mon, 21 Jan 2019 22:59:00 GMT

Waanyi-Garawa ranger Josephine Davey, Ganalanga-Mindibirrina IPA coordinator Ostiane Massiani and NLC Caring for Country women and youth coordinator Kate van Wezel travelled to the University of Queensland in early December to present a paper at Unsettling Australia, the 2018 biennial conference of the International Australian Studies Association.

They joined a large group of academics for three days of lectures covering a range of topics: colonialism and memory, contemporary feminism in action, everyday cultures of Australia, reconciling Country, decolonising practices and more.

The built-up nerves lasted a whole morning until Kate and Josephine introduced their collaborative work supporting women caring for country on the Ganalanga-Mindibirrina IPA, during Kate’s doctorate research from 2015 to 2018.

They explored the research question: what do women caring for Waanyi and Garawa country want collaborators to understand? Kate placed the talk into context, and Josephine — for whom this kind of public speaking was a first — bravely faced the interested parties and shared her background of her mother’s father’s country, what working on country means to her, and what expectations and hopes her family has for partnering with external people.

At the end of the shared presentation, numerous questions were aimed at Josephine, which continued throughout the conference.

Here is an excerpt of Josephine’s public talk: “Working together as rangers is a way to get back onto our country and learn about our home together. When my family and I met with Kate’s family, we all started learning from each other. Through research, we continued to build up women rangers from our elders’ knowledge. When we work with other people, we would like to bring it together as equal, to share knowledge with one another with respect, and to pass this experience to our children. I’m going to show a video of a new traditional dance about my father’s country where they are damaging our sacred site and homeland. We are teaching this dance, to show other people its meaning and its importance to my father’s father heritage so that we can teach our culture to everyone.”

We listened to multiple voices describing and analysing Aboriginality, culture, and responses to ongoing historical oppression. Many researchers advocated for a more egalitarian society, and some proposed legal and political strategies.

On the third day, Josephine voiced her concern, confusion and hurt to a room full of academics that so few Aboriginal researchers were present. She expressed sadness that so few Aboriginal people had the opportunity to represent themselves in these conversations, and urged participants in the academic discourse to spend time with Aboriginal peoples and their communities, as this is requisite work to begin to understand their lived experience navigating today’s society and its fundamental ills.

The outcome was gratifying: presenters were responsive and a number of them spent the remainder of the day conversing with Josephine while sitting in the grass, under thick native trees while colourful water dragons popped their curious heads from beneath the leaf matter.

While the ongoing need to unsettle research was confronting at the conference, this refreshing close incited hope for meaningful collaboration.

By Ostiane Massiani and Kate van Wezel

ABA Homelands Project Update

Sat, 22 Dec 2018 14:30:00 GMT

The Aboriginals Benefit Account (ABA) Homelands Project has been allocated a total of $40 million from the ABA; $35.5 million will be allocated for the delivery of activities in homelands across the four Aboriginal Land Council regions in the NT. These funds are accessed through a grant application process coordinated by the NLC.

Budget break down across the NT land council regions is as follows:

An amount of $4.5 million will be kept as a contingency for the engagement of technical specialists as required. Any remaining funds are to be re-invested in this project.

Key Facts: Established Homeland communities in the NLC Region

Community Eligibility

Application Process

Managing Expectations

While the total amount of $15.75 million may sound like a lot, unfortunately it isn’t when you consider:

It is expected that not every homeland community will directly benefit from this project; however, the project will potentially fund 80 to 100 high priority community projects that are likely to have a significant positive impact for Aboriginal people living on their country.

Approved projects are unlikely to start on the ground until at least the 2019 dry season.

NLC’s Role and Consultation Process

This type of project is not something that NLC normally does; PMC have engaged us to apply our knowledge and networks to identify priority homeland communities and eligible activities under the project guidelines.

NLC commenced consulting Aboriginal homeland service provider boards and related boards servicing homelands at the end of May this year. It is these service providers that often have the strongest relationships with homeland communities and are the local experts in understanding need and priority with associated community infrastructure.

After these consultations, service providers have reviewed community and project eligibility and have undertaken a basic assessment of need, benefit and capacity to provide NLC with a list of prioritised homeland communities each with a detailed list of identified priorities.

NLC then consults the residents of these prioritised communities, and the information from the service provider helps to guide the conversation. However, it is the community residents that prioritise their projects and NLC prepare detailed funding proposals based on this consultation.

Complete funding applications are then forwarded to PMC for assessment.

ABA Advisory Committee Meetings

Meetings are usually held three times a year – May, July and October. Dates within these months can vary according to availability of members. The first meeting in 2019 is being brought forward to March, so this will provide a unique opportunity for early consideration of applications.

NLC aim to have the following packages ready for the ABA Advisory Committee meetings next year:

Please note that NLC have not put forward any applications for consideration to date.

Service Provider and Community Consultations

There are more than 20 service providers in the NLC Region servicing just over 200 homeland communities. The aim is to engage all service providers in each of NLC’s seven distinct regions and find out about what are the priorities throughout the vastness of the NLC service footprint.

NLC have successfully engaged a large portion of the current service providers and most of them have provided feedback about what they view as their service area’s community priorities. So far we have visited just over 40 priority homeland communities to discuss the project, and collate critical information for compiling the ABA applications on behalf of those communities.

Some of the homeland communities NLC have visited have anything up to 100 Aboriginal residents with 10 to 20 residential dwellings. On investigation, the basic essential service and communication infrastructure and access needs appear to be considerably high so the project is quite timely.

In regards to our community consultations, NLC are less than half way into it and presently we are racing the Wet Season. NLC’s intent is to consult all homeland community service areas and visit the prioritised communities within that location. Any service provider or community consultations that have not taken place prior to the Christmas period will get picked up the following year between February and June 2019.

If you have questions about the ABA Homelands Project please feel free to touch base with the Regional Development Branch to discuss.

History made as native title rights finally recognised

Sat, 22 Dec 2018 02:59:00 GMT

Two historic native title claims are now resolved, decades after they were first claimed.

Larrimah returned to Wubalawun group

The Federal Court of Australia held a special hearing at the Supreme Court of the NT in Darwin on 24 October 2018 to recognise native title rights and interests over the town of Larrimah.

It marked the last piece of the puzzle for members of the Wubalawun group who hold Native Title over surrounding pastoral leases.

The lead applicant on the claim, Jimmy Wavehill travelled to Darwin with members of his family, as well as the Maroney and Birdum families.

Alan Maroney spoke on behalf of his people outside the Supreme Court. When asked how he felt following this historic decision, he said: “Relief. [It’s been] a long struggle. [I’ve been] forever questioning myself whether it’s been worth it. After today, my heart’s been lifted to say yes it’s been bloody worth it.”

“I started this process back in 2001, the original claimant for Larrimah so it’s been 18 years for me.”

“I’m really glad that NLC has supported us for the long road that we had to take and I believe now that our next generation should be able to stand up and say yes this is our country, finally.”

Native title over parts of the town of Larrimah was first claimed in 2001 and extended in 2011 to include the whole town. At this time, Jimmy Wavehill became the lead claimant.

“I feel happy today, what we do,” said Jimmy. “We keep trying and trying till we got it now.”

“I’m real happy and I’m real proud with my grandkids. We help each other. We do our best. We got our country back. In my heart, I really love them very much.”

The Larrimah native title determination recognises a right to “access and take resources for any purpose” – including for commercial purposes, not limited to personal or domestic purposes.

This is the first time that right has been recognised in the Northern Territory by agreement of the Northern Territory Government and native title claimants without going to trial as occurred in the Town of Borroloola in 2016.

Former NLC CEO Joe Morrison described it as a historic day.

“It’s very significant because it’s the first time in the NT that, by agreement of the parties, that a right to trade has been recognised as part of the native title determination as we’ve seen previously in Borroloola that that was by trial.”

“It means that there’s recognition that there was basically an economy that Aboriginal people had had at the time of the settlers arriving. Obviously Aboriginal people know that there was a customary economy in place and that is recognising that in a modern context.”

It is hoped this determination will pave the way for recognition of that right in other parts of the Northern Territory without the need for costly trials.

What happens next is a question for the native title holders.

“They’ve moved from being claimants to holders of these rights as determined by the Federal Court today so it’s really a question for them in the Northern Territory to come together to think about what the future of Larrimah might look like. And I think today’s important because native title holders should in fact be at the table for negotiations of their future town,” said Mr Morrison.

Mr Maroney said the Wubalawun people had high hopes for the future of Larrimah.

“We’d like to change it so that it’s more of a family town so that everyone can enjoy Larrimah.”

“Now we’ve got bargaining powers in regards to getting funding and building houses for our younger generation. Now we have got the bargaining power in regards to talking to the NT government of assisting us build the township of Larrimah, which I believe can prosper.”

Mr Maroney would like to see an Indigenous Ranger program set up to encourage young people to move back to the town and work alongside native title holders in Middle Creek and Birdum.

“Now that Aboriginal people have now got title of Larrimah we can open up to places that have never been open before.”

21-year fight for Jabiru resolved

One of the longest running native title claims in Australia’s history was resolved in November when the Mirarr people were recognised as the native title holders of Jabiru at a special on-country hearing.

Lead claimant, senior Traditional Owner Yvonne Margarula, first lodged the claim with the National Native Title Tribunal in 1997 and it was filed with the Federal Court in 1998.

Ms Margarula said the Mirarr were happy to see the long journey finally come to an end. “We are Mirarr, we bring the land back now, that was a long time we’ve been waiting,” she said.

Five women who were central to the claim, Ms Margarula, Nida Mangarnbarr, Annie Ngalmirama, May Nango and Ruth Gamarrawu, were presented with hardcopies of the determination.

The Mirarr estate extends beyond Jabiru to include the areas currently affected by the Ranger uranium mine and the Jabiluka mineral lease.

Chairman of the NLC, Samuel Bush-Blanasi, said the claim is part of a bigger struggle by the Mirarr people, and reflects the finding of the 1977 Fox inquiry into uranium mining, which recognised the Mirrar as the Traditional Owners.

“Back then it was the government saying ‘we give you land rights you give as mining’. Today this native title proves the Mirarr are the Traditional Owners of Jabiru and assure that in Australian law,” he said.

Also speaking at the ceremony was Mirarr Traditional Owner Simon Mudjandi, who spoke of the Mirarr’s vision for the future of Jabiru.

“Lots of people know about Kakadu, they know it is important World Heritage country. We Mirarr people want to show them how special this country is and to make Jabiru a great town for locals too. We want Jabiru to be a place to show people.

The Northern Territory Government and the Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation, which represents Mirarr, have a $500 million vision for the post-mining future of Jabiru, which includes its transformation into a tourism hub and regional centre to service the Bininj community.

“We want people to come and learn about our country and culture. We look forward to welcoming people to the new town of Jabiru on beautiful Mirarr country,” he said.

Essential to that plan is the successful rehabilitation of the mine site.

“We want to see the mining company do a really good job of cleaning it up, they need to make it good enough to be part of the World Heritage National Park.”

“This is a big job and the government needs to make sure the mining company does it properly.”

Indigenous Affairs Minister, Nigel Scullion said it brought him immense joy to see the historic final determination go the way of the land’s traditional owners.

“This is a hard-fought, deserved outcome for the Mirrar people,” Minister Scullion said. “They are the true owners of the lands in the north of the Northern Territory.

The application for native title over Jabiru Township and its immediate surrounds is around 13 square kilometres in size.

High Court comes to Darwin: Valuing native title in dollars

Fri, 21 Dec 2018 02:04:00 GMT

In September 2018, the Timber Creek native title compensation claim – one of the biggest test cases in Indigenous rights since Mabo – brought the High Court of Australia to the Northern Territory for the first time in its 116-year history.

The appeal was heard on 4, 5 and 6 September and we await the Court’s decision in the coming months.

The claim group is the Ngaliwurru and Nungali peoples who are members of the estate groups Makalamayi, Wunjaiyi, Yanturi, Wantawul and Maiyalaniwung – the Traditional Owners of the town site of Timber Creek, in the Victoria River District of the Northern Territory.

The claim is for compensation for the loss of native title rights that have been ‘extinguished’ by the crown acquiring land without the native title holders’ consent. The Timber Creek claim relates to three kinds of loss: the market value of the land, interest over time on the market land value, and a ‘solatium’ amount for the personal, spiritual pain of losing rights to sacred sites and country.

Around 40 Traditional Owners of Timber Creek travelled 600km or more to attend the appeal. Claimant Chris Griffiths was among them, telling the ABC outside Court: “This court hearing, it makes us feel sad, it makes us happy and it also makes us proud because we know that our message is getting across, that they are understanding how important [it is that] we are connected to country and the land.”

The right to native title compensation comes from the Australian Constitution’s requirement that any property owner must be compensated on ‘just terms’ when the Crown acquires their property.

In 1992, Mabo v Qld (No 2) first considered how the Constitutional right to compensation on just terms applies to native title. The Court decided that the Racial Discrimination Act (‘RDA’) requires compensation to be paid to native title holders in the same way it must be paid to any other property owner, but only for native title acquired or affected after the RDA commenced in 1975.

The right to claim compensation is now contained in section 51 of the Native Title Act .

The claim relates to 127 hectares of land now within Timber Creek, but the social and cultural effect of those developments on the native title holders relates to a much larger region of country. In the trial hearing in 2016, Federal Court Justice Mansfield heard evidence from claim group members in and around Timber Creek, including restricted evidence from senior men, in a confidential, men-only session.

A key question in the appeal is whether native title should be valued equally to freehold property (eg a house or a commercial block), or if it is less valuable because it can’t be sold or mortgaged (it is ‘inalienable’). Part of that question considers whether the ‘non-exclusive’ native title taken from Ngarliwurru and Nungali peoples (that is, native title that co-existed with pastoral land) has a lower value than ‘exclusive’ native title, where native title holders can legally prevent others from entering the land.

The trial judge awarded a total of $3.3 million dollars compensation across the three categories of loss in 2016. The Full Federal Court, on appeal, reduced that to almost $2.9 million in 2017. The claim is for almost $5 million. A compensation determination provides a once-off amount to the claim group.

“It’s not about the money, it’s about the land and the land is most important because we’ve got important sacred sites,” said claimant Lorraine Jones. “When you see damages happen to your land, you feel your tummy, your hurt, like you’re emotionally hurt inside, you don’t show it on the outside, but it’s hurting you on the inside.”

Australia is watching the Timber Creek case, which will provide a precedent for future compensation claims, which may relate to towns or other developments, like mines, established without consent of the native title holders from 1975. Due to the national significance of the case, the governments of Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia have joined the case as ‘intervenors’, supporting the arguments of the NT and Commonwealth. Two other native title representative bodies from WA also joined, supporting the claim group’s arguments.

Sadly, Chris and Lorraine’s fathers, Mr A. Griffiths and Mr J. Jones, two very senior members of the claim group, passed away before the case was heard in the High Court. The strength of the compensation claim presented is a testament to their knowledge, the losses suffered when native title was taken, and the opportunities that their people will realise through their fight for compensation for the present and future generations.

“It’s really important. Not only for me, not only for Lorraine but both of our fathers. They’re not here today. But we’re here and we’re here to finish off the job that they’ve done,” said Chris.

NLC prepares for 2019 council elections

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 14:30:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council is reviewing the way its members are allocated across its jurisdiction, ahead of Council elections to take place in the second half of 2019.

The Full Council of the NLC is the major decision-making body of the organisation. It currently includes 78 members elected from across the NLC’s seven regions, plus five co-opted women’s positions. Each Full Council sits for a three-year term, with the next Council to come together in late 2019 and governing until 2022.

Nominations for Council membership will be called for in mid 2019.

The NLC region includes some 200 communities ranging in size from small family outstations to townships of up to 3,000 people, as well as the urban centres of Darwin and Katherine. Fifty-four communities or areas are currently represented on the Council.

The distribution of seats on Full Council has been unchanged since 2001 and has changed very little since 1983.

In the 30 years from 1986, however, the Aboriginal population of the NLC region increased by at least 83 per cent and possibly as much as 137 per cent, now standing at around 47,200.

Alongside this substantial population increase there has also been significant shifts, with a greater share of the Aboriginal population now living in urban areas and larger townships and a lower share in the more numerous but smaller places (mostly medium-sized communities and outstations).

Because of these changes, NLC is conducting a review of representation on Council in order to develop an equitable model for determining the distribution of seats. The model will need to balance three major things: population, inclusiveness of different groups and coverage of country, and administrative efficiency.

From the earliest days, representation of people and country on Council presented a challenge.

Justice Woodward first described this in 1974, in his Second Report of the Aboriginal Land Rights Commission:

“So far as the composition of these councils is concerned, I found considerable difficulty in making appropriate recommendations in my first report. I still feel the same difficulties and the councils themselves have not been able to resolve them satisfactorily. Some things are clear. The members of the councils must all be Aborigines and they must be chosen, by some appropriate method, to represent the people who send them.”

Under section 29 of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 , NLC Full Council members are chosen by a ‘method of choice’ that has been approved by the Minister for Indigenous Affairs. Reflecting Justice Woodward’s comments, the Act states only that members “shall be Aboriginals living in the area of the Land Council, or whose names are set out in the register maintained by the Land Council …, chosen by Aboriginals living in the area of the Land Council”.

The first official Northern Land Council was appointed in 1977 (there was an interim Council prior) and had 36 members. Since the beginning, the policy has been to ensure as broad a representation from as many Aboriginal groups as possible. A 1977 NLC circular calling for nominations advised: “[Community councils] should remember that they have a responsibility to see that all Aboriginal people are suitably represented on the Land Council.”

The number of Council members increased to 55 members and then 80 members by 1983 (at that time including representatives from the Groote Archipelago). The aim of expanding was to ensure the Council had a wide geographical spread and represented all Aboriginal people within the NLC region. Smaller communities had one representative and larger communities had two, while large communities with several outstations could have a third or fourth member from an outstation.

The comprehensive review now underway is the first since that time.

Land Rights News Northern Edition December 2018

Thu, 20 Dec 2018 14:30:00 GMT

Timber Creek Rangers trained in sawfish monitoring

Wed, 19 Dec 2018 06:15:00 GMT

NLC’s Timber Creek rangers and CSIRO have established a sawfish monitoring program on the Victoria River to record population estimates.

Sawfish are one of the most endangered species on the planet, yet this NT waterway is teeming with them.

The first survey in August captured 25 dwarf and largetooth sawfish, and provided the first recorded evidence of the critically endangered speartooth shark and northern river shark in that waterway.

CSIRO researcher Richard Pellens said: “We caught more in two weeks than I’ve caught in 20 years.”

The five-year survey is hoping to shed more light on the sawfish, its behaviour and breeding.

While Australia still supports viable populations in some remote regions, numbers have declined dramatically as a result of bycatch in commercial fisheries, recreational capture as well as habitat modification.

“They have a big kind of electric hedge trimmer on the end of their body which makes them incredibly susceptible to being stuck in gill nets and trawl nets,” Dr Pellens told the ABC.

“So while the fishermen aren’t trying to catch them, as soon as [sawfish] come into contact with a net they become stuck.

“And because they’re also one of the largest fish we have — they grow to seven metres in length — getting an animal that size out of a net is quite tricky.”

The partnership between the CSIRO and Timber Creek rangers means Indigenous rangers will be trained in survey methods, capture, handling, measurement and tissue sampling of sawfish and speartooth sharks.

Floyd Rogers was one of the Timber Creek rangers who took part in the survey.

“I’ve been a full time ranger for 3 years now I enjoyed every trip we have done, but this 7 days on the river was the greatest I have done and learned a lot on this wonderful Vic River,” he said.

“Now I know there is two sorts of sawfish fresh water and saltwater sawfish and great to know there scientific name pristis pristis (fresh water) Pristis clavata (Dwarf salt water). Good to know that other animals on the river are also endangered like spear tooth shark, and northern river shark.

“I had a good time on the river and I’m looking forward to it again next year and I hope we can catch more fresh water saw fish with Dr Richard Pillans.”

Fellow ranger Aron Harrison agreed: “It was a great exercise for me working on the river for the first time. It was really good and I really enjoyed it and I hope I will be doing more surveys on the river and get to know the waterways more. Best time of my life.”

Aboriginal Housing NT takes home Fitzgerald Human Rights Award

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 01:15:00 GMT

Aboriginal Housing NT (AHNT) has won the 2018 NT Human Rights Commission’s Fitzgerald Award for Diversity.

The Darwin Supreme Court was the setting for the awards ceremony, which took place on 12 December 2018.

AHNT members Matty Ryan of Maningrida and Chris Neade of Elliott accepted the award on behalf of AHNT and acknowledged the tireless work of the committee and its supporters.

The Fitzgerald Diversity Award is granted annually to “individuals or organisations whose activities focus on promoting, protecting and fulfilling the human rights and equal opportunity of diverse communities in the NT”. AHNT beat out a strong field of contenders to acknowledge four years of advocating and acting for better housing for Aboriginal Territorians in town camps, homelands, outstations and remote communities.

Over the past decade, there have been significant changes in the way that Aboriginal housing has been delivered and managed in the Northern Territory. In 2008 we saw the dismantling of the Indigenous Community Housing Organisations (ICHOs), 75 per cent of which were run through local community councils that were replaced with ‘super shires’. This, with the dismantling of the Indigenous Community Housing Associations, saw Aboriginal people stripped of any control over their housing, which has had profound and dire consequences.

In response to the continuing housing crisis in the Northern Territory, AHNT was formed at the Aboriginal Housing Forum in 2015. Its voluntary committee is made up of people with dozens of languages between them and their skills, cultural knowledge and experience guides the group’s activities. The group is supported by more than 20 Aboriginal non-government organisations and is progressing to become the formal peak body for Aboriginal housing in the NT.

“There’s been an on-going crisis in Aboriginal housing for many decades and AHNT was established to give a voice to the many people living in overcrowded housing, the long-grass, the humpies and the run-down shacks that pass as accommodation in the Territory,” said Barbara Shaw, AHNT Co-Chair.

Since its establishment, AHNT has worked to articulate concerns and solutions to housing, overcrowding and homelessness in the NT. AHNT represent the most linguistically diverse and geographically dispersed communities of the NT. They address issues as diverse as water security, housing related illnesses (including rheumatic heart disease and renal disease), seasonal inaccessibility, remoteness and isolation, projected population increases, poor infrastructure, procurement policies and land tenure complexities.

During its short existence, AHNT has worked tirelessly to redress this crisis strategically and structurally, and the win is recognition of Indigenous-led advocacy at its best.

Members of AHNT:

Ms. Barbara Shaw (Co-Chair)
Mr. Matthew Ryan
Mr. Geoffrey Barnes
Mr. Samuel Bush-Blanasi (Co-Chair)
Ms. Maxine Carlton
Mr. Rick Fletcher
Mr. Yananymul Mununggurr
Mr. Chris Neade
Mr. Brian Pedwell
Mr. Tony Jack
Mr. Ross Williams
Ms. Annunciata Wilson
Mr. Graham Castine

NLC welcomes amendment to NLC Land Rights Act

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 11:05:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council welcomes the amendment to the Land Rights Act passed through the Senate this evening.

The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment Bill 2017 allows areas in the Kakadu region to be granted as Aboriginal land. The Bill also provides for the leaseback of the Kakadu Land to the Director of National Parks.

NLC CEO Mr Joe Morrison said: “Kakadu is Bininj/Mungguy land of immense cultural and economic importance to its Traditional Owners. A long overdue measure of justice is finally being provided by this Bill.”

The Senate approval is a final step towards the resolution of four land claims: Ngombur, Alligator Rivers Area III (Gimbat and Goodparla), Kakadu (Jim Jim) Area and the Kakadu Region Repeat Claim. Some of the claims date back to 1978.

“This means that some 39 years after the first stage of Kakadu National Park was declared (5 April 1979) the whole of the Park will finally become Aboriginal land and be jointly managed as originally envisaged,” Mr Morrison said.

“The Park is a World Heritage area under the World Heritage Convention, recognised as parts of Australia’s National Heritage and includes wetlands of international importance under the RAMSAR convention.”

The Bill also adds areas in the town of Urapunga that are subject to the Township of Urapunga Indigenous Land Use Agreement (Urapunga Land) to the schedule of Aboriginal land. The township of Urapunga was created in 1885. Lots in the town were not sold and the town failed to develop. Surrounding areas have been recognised as Aboriginal land. The town was the subject of a native title determination in 2001 and an agreement was reached in 2005 with the Northern Territory Government to provide for land within the town to become Aboriginal land. In exchange, security of tenure was provided to a local business.

The Bill also settles long standing claims over a stock route and bore reserves on Anthony Lagoon Station (NT Portion 5010) which were unalienated Crown land by the recognition of an area of land for a community living area within the boundaries of the pastoral lease. This Bill provides secure tenure for Traditional Owners over a small portion of their country and is by agreement with the pastoralist and the NTG.

The Bill must now be agreed to by the House of Representatives before it is presented to the Governor- General for assent.

NLC contact : Martha Tattersall 0427 031 382

NLC Annual Report 2017-18

Wed, 21 Nov 2018 04:24:07 GMT

The Northern Land Council Annual Report 2017-18 provides a comprehensive account of the Council’s performance from 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018.

Resignation of NLC CEO

Wed, 14 Nov 2018 08:38:00 GMT

The NLC’s Chief Executive Officer Joe Morrison today announced his resignation to the Full Council of the NLC.

Mr Morrison has been CEO since February 2014 and said he resigned for personal reasons and that it was time to explore other opportunities. He has enjoyed his time at the NLC and says he has achieved many of the commitments he gave to the late Mr Wunungmurra who was Chairman when he was recruited.

The NLC is a fundamentally important institution for Aboriginal people of the Top End and he leaves the NLC in a better position to deal with the challenges faced by Traditional Owners than when he joined in 2014.

Mr Morrison will not be saying anything more at this time.

Jabiru Native Title claim

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 00:24:00 GMT

On Friday 9 November 2018, the Federal Court of Australia will hold a special on-country hearing to recognise the native title rights and interests of the Mirarr People over areas of the Jabiru Township.

Where : Lakeside Park, Civic Drive, Lake Jabiru, Jabiru

When : Friday 9 November, 11:00 AM

Five senior Mirrar women who have been central to this claim will be presented with hard copies of the determination: Yvonne Margarula, Nida Mangarnbarr, Annie Ngalmirama, May Nango and Ruth Gamarrawu. Yvonne Margarula is acknowledged as the senior Traditional Owner of the Jabiru Township area and leader of the Mirarr People, a legacy she carries on from her late father.

Native title holders and their families, friends and special guests are invited to attend the ceremony and afterwards have lunch together from about 1:00 PM at Lakeside Park.

NLC CEO Joe Morrison said: “This claim is one part of the bigger struggle by the Mirrar people for recognition of ownership and control of their land within the World Heritage listed Kakadu National Park.”

“The Mirrar, led by Yvonne Margarula, and before that her late father, have long fought for better protection of their country and this native title determination helps secure for all time important protection and recognition of the Mirarr People’s rights and interests under Australian law,” he said.

The Mirarr estate extends beyond Jabiru to include the areas currently affected by the Ranger uranium mine and the Jabiluka mineral lease.

“We support Gundjeihmi Aboriginal Corporation’s plans for the future of Jabiru and the rehabilitation of the uranium mining areas, ensuring Traditional Owners have control and an economic stake in the future of their traditional lands,” said Mr Morrison.

The application for native title over Jabiru Township and its immediate surrounds (around 13 square kilometres in size) was first filed with the Federal Court in 1998 on behalf of the Mirrar people.

Friday’s determination gives effect to Justice Mansfield’s judgement on 24 August 2016 that the Mirrar hold native title rights over Jabiru Township. Justice Mansfield’s hearing of the claim began in 2013 into whether any executive or legislative acts since European settlement had extinguished native title in the area. Negotiations on the final terms have now been finalised and we look forward to celebrating this milestone on Friday.

NLC contact: Martha Tattersall 0427 031 382

Media Alert: Larrimah Native Title Recognition Ceremony

Sun, 21 Oct 2018 14:30:00 GMT

The Federal Court of Australia will hold a special hearing at the Supreme Court of the NT in Darwin on Wednesday 24 October 2018 to recognise native title rights and interests over the town of Larrimah.

Date : Wednesday 24 October 2018

Time : 10am

Where : Court 9, Level 4, Supreme Court of Northern Territory, State Square, Darwin NT. Followed by a BBQ hosted by NLC to celebrate the occasion with the native title holders.

This is the last piece of the puzzle for members of the Wubalawun group who hold Native Title over surrounding pastoral leases.

Around 20 Native Title Holders are travelling from Katherine and Kalkaringi for the hearing, including the native title claim’s applicant, Jimmy Wavehill and his family, and the Maroney and Birdum families.

The Native Title Determination recognises a right to “access and take resources for any purpose” – i.e. including commercial purposes not limited to personal or domestic purposes. This is the first time that right has been recognised in the Northern Territory by agreement with the Northern Territory Government and native title claimants without going to trial as occurred in the Town of Borroloola in 2016. It is hoped this determination will pave the way for recognition of the right in other parts of the Northern Territory without the need for costly trials.

Native title over parts of the town of Larrimah was first claimed in 2001 and extended in 2011 to include the whole town.

NLC contact: Martha Tattersall 0427 031 382

Native title holder consortium awarded first major contract at Legune

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 14:30:00 GMT

In a historic win for Aboriginal business development, a construction consortium involving local native title holders has been awarded the first contract of work for the billion-dollar aquaculture grow-out facility at Legune Station.

If fully developed Project Sea Dragon will be the world’s largest prawn farm and boost the Top End’s economy.

Native title holder company Legune Constructions Ltd has teamed up with Darwin-based civil construction company Allan King & Sons Construction Pty Ltd to deliver competitive bids for major Project Sea Dragon contracts. The consortium will also create employment, training and business development opportunities for local Aboriginal people, and particularly for the native title holders of Legune.

"It’s taken a bit of work to get set up, so I am very happy that Legune Constructions and Allan King have won this first contract of work," said Legune Constructions Director and native title holder Marcus Simon.

“The Consortium will be good for our younger generation, to get trained-up, and Allan King’s company is the right fit for us to work with,” Legune Constructions co-director Alfred Gerrard said.

Northern Land Council Chief Executive Officer, Joe Morrison, has welcomed the news: “It shows that Project Sea Dragon developer, Seafarms Group Ltd, is genuinely committed to local and Aboriginal business development.

“This consortium is an example of how Aboriginal-controlled entities can grow their skills, experience and become increasingly competitive operators.

“It’s great that Seafarms has recognised the potential of the consortium. With an operator as experienced as Allan King, it’s really a win-win situation for everyone. We hope this is the first of many Project Sea Dragon success stories for local Aboriginal people,” Mr Morrison said.

NLC Contact: Murray McLaughlin 0429 153 363

Upgrades to Marralum outstation: Building a strong future for native title holders

Thu, 30 Aug 2018 04:29:00 GMT

Native title holders are driving upgrades to Marralum outstation near the Western Australian border using funds generated from a major prawn farm project.

Native title holders negotiated $500,000 in funding for the upgrade of Marralum as part of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement for the development of the prawn farm at Legune Station. They’re being supported by the NLC and its Community Planning and Development (CP&D) program.

The upgrades include getting reliable power to houses through a diesel generator and solar power kits with high power battery storage, fixing water access, and building fences to protect the houses from bullocks.

Native title holder Marcus Simon is one of the lead workers on the upgrade, putting his station and fencing skills to use while also gaining new skills in repairs and landscaping. He is one of six local staff working on the project.

“We got an agreement over our country, with some money to fix up our community Marralum,” he said. “We’ve got six people out there working already: three men and three women. We’re renovating the houses and fixing the water up so we can have a hot shower and use the toilet. It’s working really good now.”

After taking the time to plan carefully, native title holders partnered with Tangentyere Constructions, an Aboriginal owned social enterprise, to complete the works.

“There was good planning done. Making decisions was good, we chose the work to be done and picked who to do it with us, and it turned out good. It happened the way we wanted it to,” said Mr Simon.

“Tangentyere Constructions are working with us in a good way. It’s really good working with this mob on our own country fixing our houses up. Next we want to start our own business to help the community run. I reckon it will be good for people to run their own community and look after their own place, so our kids can take over and then their kids.”

The Indigenous Land Use Agreement also has the potential to deliver major benefits in the future and NLC and its CP&D unit is supporting native title holders to plan long term.

“There is a ladder there for us to climb… and we need to be getting ready for each step,” says native title holder Bernadette Simon. “We need to make a strong plan to be ready to go when the time comes.”

Upgrading Marralum outstation will support people to live on country, but the location also has the added advantage of being near the prawn farm and the likely base for a future ranger program if the project goes ahead. Fixing up the outstation, which is giving local people jobs, is also about laying the foundation for future employment for native title holders – a major aspiration for the group. Planning in other important areas of life has also begun, like setting up businesses, education support funds for younger people and projects to keep culture strong.

With the upgrade almost finished, native title holders and their families are now spending more time at Marralum, glad to be spending more time back on country.

“This is where our heart is. We’ve achieved a lot out here, I am proud,” said Bernadette Simon. “I don’t want to leave.”

The NLC CP&D team is currently working with Aboriginal groups in Daly River, Ngukurr, Galiwin’ku, Gapuwiyak, South East Arnhem Land, Wadeye and Palumpa to generate positive outcomes in their communities using their own money. Together they have set aside more than $5.3 million of Aboriginal land use payments for community development. This shows just how serious Aboriginal people are about driving their own development outcomes in the Top End.

Land Rights News Northern Edition August 2018

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 23:58:00 GMT

Land Rights News was first printed in 1976 and is Australia's longest-running Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands from across the Northern Territory.

In this edition, find out why we're pressing the Northern Territory Government to amend its Pastoral Land Legislation Amendment Bill; we consider the implications of a treaty and how the four NT land councils will progress consultations with constituents and the NTG; and we delve into why the Northern Territory is on track to achieve just one of the seven Closing the Gap targets.

Contributors include Harry Hobbs, a PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Law, UNSW who presented a paper at the Treaty workshop; Jon Altman, research professor, Alfred Deakin Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation; and Brian Stacey, a former senior public servant who worked in Indigenous Affairs in the Australian Government for over 30 years.

Senator Patrick Dodson comments on the Australian Government Options Paper, Reforms to the Native Title Act 1993 , launched at the end of November 2017; and artist and writer Chips Mackinolty recalls working on Land Rights News for the NLC in 1988, and the difficulties that had to be overcome in the pre-digital age.

The Land Rights News, Northern Edition is printed quarterly. Subscription enquiries should be directed to media@nlc.org.au or (08) 8920 5114

For subscription inquiries for the Central Land Council's Land Rights News, Central Australia edition, media@clc.org.au or phone (08) 8951 6215 .

Re-connecting Women with Country

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 14:30:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council’s Caring for Country Branch has adopted a Women’s Employment Strategy in response to the requests from Traditional Owners, community members and women rangers to increase opportunities for women to work as rangers.

Aboriginal women are underrepresented across all NLC ranger groups, making up 35 per cent (up 10 per cent since January) of rangers employed by the NLC.

“We developed the Women’s Employment Strategy in consultation with rangers, community members, and NLC council members,” said Penelope Mules, Women and Youth Coordinator for the Caring for Country Branch.

“It identifies the barriers to women working as rangers, sets out the priorities for the future, and sets six key targets to achieve those priorities.”

Those targets include ensuring that women make up 50 per cent of all rangers employed by the NLC, that every ranger group has female representation, and that each group has one or more women in leadership roles (e.g., coordinators, assistant coordinators, or senior rangers).

The strategy includes 44 actions for NLC staff to implement over the next three years. These have been included in annual work plans and individual staff positions descriptions.

Re-connecting women with their traditional lands is part of the NLC’s approach to increasing the number of women rangers. Throughout the dry season, the NLC Caring for Country branch has worked with women Traditional Owners to organise women’s culture camps and walks.

In the last week of July, 30 women from Numbulwar took part in the Women’s Culture Walk, traversing 40 kilometres of coast in the South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area (IPA).

The walk was an opportunity for young women to learn the country and hear stories from Traditional Owners. They gathered turtle eggs and oysters from the beach, and afternoons were spent fishing and catching crabs. In the evenings, the women gathered around campfires, listening to the old ladies telling stories and cooking the crabs and fish they had caught that day.

“The young women were excited to be visiting places they had heard stories about, and the old ladies were happy to be back on their country, eating bush tucker and teaching the young women,” said Ms Mules.

The 21 younger women walked the distance while the older ladies were driven along the coast in a troopy, supported by the Numbulwar Numburindi Rangers and the Yugul Mangi Rangers.

Meanwhile on Wardaman country, south-west of Katherine, NLC’s Caring for Country branch took 16 women to Ingaladi waterhole in mid August for a women’s culture camp.

Wardaman woman Marie Allen said it was a wonderful opportunity for women to return to country and spend time together.

“I just thought it was a great time for the women because sometimes women tend to be ignored. It was a great for the Wardaman women to get together, exchange stories and talk to the land council about some issues, such as ranger issues.”

Sitting around the campfire each night, they discussed culture and law, and learnt how the families are connected. They spoke about ensuring that half the rangers working on the Wardaman IPA are women. There were a number of suggestions for young women who may be interested in working as rangers. And it provided valuable time to sit quietly together for healing and reconnection with each other.

“It gives them an opportunity to talk. It gives them an opportunity to tell stories. Because they don’t have an avenue in Katherine, to organise that and for them to meet,” said Ms Allen. “I know women in Alice Springs who once a weekend might go out bush together. But we don’t have that. This could be the start.”

For many, it was the first time being on this part of the country.

“The last time I went out to Ingaladi was 25 years ago, something like that. A lot of people hadn’t been there at all. They were really happy, a lot of them. We’ll to try to see if we can have it a bit longer next time.”

Wardaman elder Yidumduma Bill Harney took the group to Nimji, an important rock art site, and explained the creation story of the art there. He taught the group stories about country and who speaks for which country.

“The women went fishing, had a look at the sites. Billy took us to the dreaming sites, and told us stories,” said Marie.

Being able to catch fish was significant for the women, many of whom live in Katherine, where PFAS contamination prevents Traditional Owners from eating fish caught in the waterways. At Ingaladi waterhole they caught black brim and turtle to take back to their families.

“The women are very concerned about PFAS and sad that this has poisoned the local fish and turtles so they are no longer safe to eat,” said Ms Mules. “This made catching enough fish and turtle for their families even more important.”

Ms Allen said she would like to the camp to take place again next year and see more women, particularly young women, come along.

“The only thing I wish is that we could have had more younger women. I think what the older women want is just to pass on some of the cultural stuff, ceremonies, so that they know,” she said. “Maybe it’s something that it could go bigger, it could include other women from different tribes, meeting together and exchanging things.”

NLC Corporate Plan 2018/19 to 2021/22

Sun, 26 Aug 2018 23:26:01 GMT

The NLC Corporate Plan provides information about the significant activities which the NLC will undertake over the four years, 2018/19 to 2021/22.

NLC condemns McArthur River Mine approval

Fri, 10 Aug 2018 07:24:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council has condemned the decision of the NT EPA to approve the overburden management project at the McArthur River Mine.

NLC CEO Joe Morrison said the EPA’s assessment that the project can avoid significant environmental impacts is not supported by its own report.

“The sorry history of frequent environmental incidents at the mine and poor regulation mean that both the operator and regulator cannot be trusted,” Mr Morrison said.

“The report represents an unacceptable approach to environmental risk. It is merely hoping against hope and goes against the weight of evidence presented to the EPA.

“This proposal to allow an expansion of a troubled operation in order to solve some of its problems is an extremely short-term solution that will result in a costly perpetual legacy for Traditional Owners and Territorians,” Mr Morrison said.

“The assessment even records the EPA’s concern that there is ‘potential for future off-site impacts to occur as a result of the proposal’ and that ‘significant environmental impacts could occur as a result of a major incident, e.g. failure or overflow of the TSF [Tailings Storage Facility] or other events that may lead to uncontrolled release of contaminated water or tailings’.”

The NLC raised many concerns about the MRM proposal in a weighty submission to the EPA. NLC officers then met with the board of the EPA and told them the MRM proposal should be redrafted to consider alternative development scenarios, provide economic modelling to support any cost/benefit assumptions, and should be underpinned by accepted leading practice community and other stakeholder consultation standards and methodologies (including MRM consultations with the NLC and local Aboriginal people).

“If the NLC’s recommendations were incorporated into a revised proposal the EPA would have delivered a better environmental outcome,” Mr Morrison said.

“Further, the EPA report does not provide any confidence that the closure plan will not result in unacceptable environmental outcomes. The recommendation for approval is based on a hope that over the next 20 years, while the volume of waste rock and tailings accumulates, some technological solution will prevail.

“Far from a best practice approach to environmental management based on detailed characterisation of risk and prevention through elimination or mitigation the NTEPA’s recommendations have a reliance on strengthened monitoring and adaptive management.

“The history of MRM demonstrates a failure of this approach, with combusting waste rock, continued erosion and failure to establish vegetation in the rechannel, seepage and concern around the stability and integrity of both the waste rock dump and the tailings storage facility and cattle contaminated with lead being a few of MRM’s operating results to date,” Mr Morrison said.

NLC contact: Murray McLaughlin 0429 153 363

The Women’s Culture Walk 2018

Fri, 06 Jul 2018 02:18:00 GMT

Thirty women from Numbulwar took part in the Women’s Culture Walk from 25-29 June 2018, traversing 40km of coast in the South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area.

Starting at the Miwul Outstation, the women spent three days hiking north to Dharni Outstation. The 21 younger women (aged 16 to 65) walked the distance while the older ladies were driven along the coast in a troopy. They were supported by the Numbulwar Numburindi Rangers and the Yugul Mangi Rangers.

The walk was an opportunity for the young women to learn the country and hear stories from Traditional Owners. They gathered turtle eggs and oysters from the beach as they went, and afternoons were spent fishing and catching crabs.

In the evenings, the women gathered around campfires, listening to the old ladies telling stories and cooking the crabs and fish they had caught that day.

The young women were excited to be visiting places they had heard stories about, and the old ladies were happy to be back on their country, eating bush tucker and teaching the young women.

A wonderful experience for all!

The Barunga Agreement

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 23:23:14 GMT

A Memorandum of Understanding to provide for the development of a framework for negotiating a Treaty with the First Nations of the Northern Territory of Australia.

Barunga Agreement: Joint Land Councils and Northern Territory Government Statement

Thu, 07 Jun 2018 14:30:00 GMT

The Northern Territory’s four Land Councils and the Northern Territory Government have today signed an historic Memorandum of Understanding (the “Barunga Agreement”), paving the way for consultations to begin with Aboriginal people about a Treaty.

A joint meeting of the four Land Councils at Barunga this week voted to empower their Chairmen to sign the MOU.

“This is a momentous day in the history of the Territory, a chance to reset the relationship between the Territory’s First Nations and the Government,” Northern Land Council Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanansi said. “We’ve got big journey ahead of us. The MOU gives us high hopes about the future and I hope the Government stays true to spirit of the MOU.”

Central Land Council Chairman Francis Jupurrurla Kelly said: “ I hope a treaty will settle us down together and bring us self-determination. Today we bounced the ball but we don’t want to stay the only players in this game. The next steps must be led by Aboriginal people across the Territory so that everyone can run with the ball and have their say.”

Anindilyakwa Land Council Chairman Tony Wurramarrba said: “We celebrate the highly significant step that has been achieved today and will work with the Northern Territory Government and other Land Councils to continue the important work required to achieve the goal of a Northern Territory Treaty.”

Tiwi Land Council Gibson Farmer Illortaminni said: “We’ve got to be careful and understand each other about what we want, because we don’t want to have the same problems we’ve had in the past. The MoU is a good start, but we’ve got a long way to go. The Government needs to be honest and transparent.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner, who signed on behalf of the Government, said: “This is the first day of a new course for the Northern Territory. The MoU we have signed today commits us to a new path of lasting reconciliation that will heal the past and allow for a cooperative, unified future for all.

“A Territory where everyone understands our history, our role in a modern society and our united and joint future will be an important achievement for all Territorians.”

The Territory Labor Government promised soon after the election in 2016 to advance a Treaty, and the MoU is the result of intensive discussions and negotiations between the Land Councils and the Government.

Significantly, the MoU was signed on the first day of the Barunga Sport and Cultural Festival – the 30th anniversary of the presentation of the Barunga Statement to Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who went on to promise a Treaty between the Commonwealth and Australia’s Indigenous peoples, but has remained undelivered.

Under the terms of the MOU NT Government will appoint an independent Treaty Commissioner who will lead the consultations with Aboriginal people and organisations across the Territory, and develop a framework for Treaty negotiations. The Commissioner will be an Aboriginal person with strong connections to the Territory, and expressions of interest will be called for the position.

The Land Councils and the Northern Territory Government will make their extensive regional staffing networks available to the Treaty Commission to organise consultations in communities.

The MoU prescribes that all Territorians should ultimately benefit from any Treaty, which must provide for substantive outcomes. It’s founded on the agreement that there has been “deep injustice done to Aboriginal people, including violent dispossession, the regression of their languages and cultures and the forcible removal of children from their families, which have left a legacy of trauma and loss that needs to be addressed and healed”.

“The process will begin with an open slate. We will start with nothing on or off the table,” Mr Gunner said.

The MoU acknowledges that there is a range of Aboriginal interests in the Territory, and that all Aboriginal people must have the opportunity to be fully engaged. It further acknowledges that non-Aboriginal people “need to be brought along in this process.”

The document leaves open the possibility of multiple treaties, and lays out a timetable for the work of the Treaty Commissioner.

Read related stories

Vernon Islands Handed Back

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 01:03:00 GMT

The Vernon Islands have been officially returned to the Mantiyupwi Tiwi people, 40 years after the land claim was lodged.

The three islands, located between the Tiwi Islands and Darwin, north of Gunn Point, were handed back in a ceremony on Bathurst Island on 12 March 2018.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion delivered the deed of grant to traditional owners, recognising the enduring connection of the Mantiyupwi Tiwi people to the Vernon Islands.

It brings to a close Australia’s second longest-running land claim.

“Today we mark an end of a long journey of recognition for the Vernon Islands land claim and celebrate a start of an exciting new chapter in the lives of the Mantiyupwi Tiwi people,” Minister Scullion said.

“We’re giving back land that was always yours in any event.”

Andrew Tipungwuti, acting CEO of the Tiwi Land Council, said: “It’s a long wait but it’s a great achievement. Sadly all our past leaders who fought for this are no longer with us, but I think for the newer generation, it is achievable to get that acknowledgment.”

NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi attended the ceremony on behalf of the Northern Land Council.

The claim was lodged by the Northern Land Council on 31 March 1978 on behalf of the Larrakia people. At the land claim hearing in 2008, it was the Mantiyupwi Tiwi people who were able to prove they were the Traditional Owners under the Land Rights Act. Larrakia people can exercise their rights pursuant to section 71 of the Act, which allows those with traditional rights to use or occupy that land in accordance with Aboriginal tradition.

Permit-free access to intertidal waters around the Vernon Islands has been maintained under a settlement between the Tiwi Land Council, the Tiwi Aboriginal Land Trust and the Northern Territory Government.

NLC Rangers among first NT Fisheries Inspectors

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 01:02:00 GMT

Two NLC rangers are among the first six Indigenous Rangers in the Northern Territory to become Fisheries Inspectors.

Rob Lindsay and Aaron Green from NLC’s Malak Malak Rangers were appointed Fisheries Inspectors in May, giving them powers to monitor recreational and commercial fishing activity along the Daly River and ensure fishers are complying with the NT Fisheries Act.

Malak Malak ranger Aaron Green said he was proud to be one of the first six to receive the accreditation.

“Proud moment to actually become fishers inspector. We understand we’ve got bigger responsibility not only for ourselves but to keep it going for the future too,” said Malak Malak Ranger Aaron Green.

“We’ve got limited powers but we can actually check on bag limits, size limits, and also check the fishing gear and ask for names and addresses.”

Mr Green said while they were already monitoring prawn traps on the Daly River, this certification means he now has the power to better look after his country.

“There are some illegal ones, some fishermen doing the wrong thing. Now we can actually take their details and send it back to the Water Police.”

The change should come as no surprise to recreational and commercial fishers on the Daly River as Malak Malak rangers have been heading out with Fisheries and Water Police over the last few years to educate tourists about the change.

“Some of them are really happy for Indigenous rangers to be doing this,” said Mr Green. “Some are probably not, but we’ve got to look after the place and Water Police can’t always be out there.”

“Being locals in our area, we know the river a fair bit, so we can actually get information out at a certain time on what time they’re fishing.”

Minister for Primary Industry and Resources Ken Vowles presented the rangers with their certificates at a ceremony in Darwin on 18 May.

He said at the ceremony: “I want to see this program grow. I want to be standing here welcoming others. You should feel proud.”

“These roles protect our fish stocks, help Aboriginal Territorians manage their country and provide career progression opportunities for rangers in remote regions.”

A total of 160 rangers across the NT have completed their Certificate I and II in Fisheries Compliance and will continue their training in order to join these rangers.

“We’re actually looking forward to putting our only female ranger through the next Cert III,” said Mr Green.
He plans to continue training to become a Fisheries Officer. Mr Green said being a ranger was a great job that brought variety to everyday work.

“You’re always doing something different, you’re always doing something new. Sometimes some of the stuff we do is actually the first of its kind. To become the first six fisheries inspectors in the Territory, makes me proud.”

Community Planning and Development: Youth Activities in Galiwin’ku

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:59:00 GMT

It’s 6pm and young Yolngu are racing up and down the basketball courts in Galiwin’ku. Youth program coordinator Josie Wright organises a group of girls into teams for a game, while others watch from the sidelines.

This is part of the youth sport and recreation program delivered by East Arnhem Regional Council (EARC). In December 2017 the program got a major boost when Traditional Owners partnered with EARC to invest more than $400,000 to provide extra support to their young people. The money was used to hire a new coordinator and youth worker, and run extra youth activities. There’s now a disco on every Friday night and more sports competitions. The program has also expanded in to Buthan, where activities such as a cooking program, a movie night and a volleyball program run three times a week.

“It is really good for us to be able to choose from different programs and also hang out together,” says one of the young men in the basketball comp Sheppy vs Jets.

The Youth Leadership groups are now involving more young men, and with an extra day of youth diversion, young people are being taught raypirri (cultural discipline) and safety.

Traditional Owner Helen Nyomba says: “It is really good we can support our kids with this program. They can do activities like camping, getting stories about Yolngu culture and learning new skills. They will be our young leaders in the future. My vision is for this project to be long term.”

“We can now reach all areas of community that we couldn’t reach before and we have more capacity to deliver a wider range of programs throughout the week both with larger community and with smaller groups of young people and children,” says Youth Coordinator Rowan Busuttil.

As well as Galiwin’ku, the NLC’s new Community Planning and Development Program is supporting six other Traditional Owner groups across the Top End. Pilot projects are underway in the Daly River, Ngukurr, Gapuwiyak, South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area, Legune and Wadeye areas. The program supports Aboriginal people to drive their own development using their income from land use agreements. Traditional Owners see it as a way to achieve development objectives based on their priorities, knowledge and experience.

With $5.3 million so far set aside for community development through the program, Aboriginal people are making a serious financial investment in their own lives and futures. However, to meet the many needs in Aboriginal communities and set up sustainable solutions, Aboriginal people know they need government to get on board to provide co-funding. The Galiwin’ku traditional owners have already taken steps to make sure that the extended youth program they are funding keeps going in two years. They have told the NT and Australian government of their funding decision and asked them to match it. They hope that by demonstrating the positive impact of an extended youth service both levels of government will come to the table with much needed extra funding.

This article was published in Land Rights News Northern Edition May 2018.

Submission by the Northern and Central land councils to the Closing the Gap refresh initiative

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:53:00 GMT

This submission is made jointly by the Northern Land Council (NLC) and the Central Land Council (CLC) (Land Councils), both independent statutory authorities established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth) (Land Rights Act).

Land Rights News Northern Edition May 2018

Fri, 01 Jun 2018 00:30:00 GMT

Land Rights News was first printed in 1976 and is Australia's longest-running Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands from across the Northern Territory.

The Land Rights News, Northern Edition is printed quarterly. Subscription enquiries should be directed to media@nlc.org.au or (08) 8920 5114.

For subscription inquiries for the Central Land Council's Land Rights News, Central Australia edition, media@clc.org.au or phone (08) 8951 6215.

ABC Darwin: Ranger funding announcement 2018

Thu, 26 Apr 2018 14:30:00 GMT

More than $250 million over three years has been announced for Indigenous Rangers.

The funding will continue to deliver 2000 jobs to 118 Indigenous rangers groups, keeping country and culture strong for the benefit of all Australians and the world.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion made the announcement on Friday 27 April 2018 alongside NLC's Malak Malak Rangers.

ALFA Pre Fire Season Meeting

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 14:30:00 GMT

Our Yugul Mangi and Numbulwar Numburindi Rangers attended the annual pre fire season meeting organised by ALFA NT from 10-11 April at Barrapunta.

Rangers undertook planning for early dry season burning on the South East Arnhem Land Indigenous Protected Area. They also received training on using fire fighting equipment. There were 100 attendees at the meeting from nine ranger groups from Arnhem Land. Thanks to Mimal Rangers for hosting this meeting.

Kenbi Land Use agreement to protect flatback turtle

Wed, 11 Apr 2018 06:03:00 GMT

Sea Darwin has entered into a licence agreement with Kenbi Aboriginal Land Trust to maintain access to Ngulbitjik (Bare Sand Island) for running exclusive turtle tours.

The licence means the eco-tourism company will continue to access Bare Sand Island during the dry season months to continue its tours.

The NLC Executive Council approved the licence in July 2017, following consultations with Traditional Owners, the Kenbi reference group and Aboriginal members of the Belyuen community. This Saturday will mark the first visit to Ngulbitjik in 2018 when Sea Darwin will lead a clean up of marine debris in preparation for turtle nesting season.

Ngulbitjik was handed back as Aboriginal land to the Kenbi Aboriginal Land Trust by the Commonwealth in 2016. Under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act, proponents must enter into a lease or licence agreement to undertake commercial interests on Aboriginal Land.

NLC CEO Joe Morrison praised Sea Darwin for showing leadership and working in partnership with Traditional Owners to enter into this agreement, which will ensure tourists can continue to access this pristine area in an environmentally sustainable way.

“It’s a great example of tourism and economic development taking place on Aboriginal Land when the correct procedures are followed and when third parties show generosity and respect in working with Traditional Aboriginal Owners,” he said.

Sea Darwin Company Owner Jim Smith said the company was proud to formalise its association with the Kenbi Rangers. “We thank the Northern Land Council and the Kenbi Traditional Owners for granting us permission to visit your island this year with our guests.”

“This agreement recognises the importance of the island to Traditional Owners and confirms the supportive partnership between tourism and the Kenbi Sea Rangers in monitoring and protecting the island environment.”

NLC contact: Martha Tattersall 0427 031 382

Sea Darwin contact: Heather King 0419 031 462

Land Councils and Northern Territory agree on an MoU for Treaty

Thu, 05 Apr 2018 02:44:00 GMT

A historic meeting between the Northern Territory Government and the Territory’s four land councils has agreed to establish a working group to develop a Memorandum of Understanding about how a treaty between the government and the NT’s Aboriginal people should progress.

The MoU will cover the principles, consultation process and roadmap leading to a treaty. It will be developed in time for signing at the Barunga Festival on Friday June 8th.

Representatives of the land councils met in Alice Springs with Chief Minister Michael Gunner and Aboriginal MLAs Selena Uibo and Chansey Paech. It was the first ever meeting between a Territory government and all four land councils to begin a treaty process.

Mr Gunner thanked the land councils for their “constructive engagement and advice” and for having taken the lead in proposing the working group. The land councils want traditional owners and communities to be front and centre during the treaty negotiations. Other Aboriginal organisations will be engaged once the MoU has been drafted.

Mr Gunner made a commitment following the NT election in August 2016 to open discussions about a treaty. He then established an Aboriginal Affairs sub-committee of Cabinet, whose priorities included advancing a treaty.

Mr Gunner told the meeting with land councils that he favoured the appointment of an independent commissioner to lead the advancement of a treaty, following the examples of Victoria and South Australia.

This year’s Barunga festival will mark the 30th anniversary of the presentation of the Barunga Statement to Prime Minister Bob Hawke, who promised a treaty with Aboriginal people. The Barunga Statement is now on display in Parliament House, Canberra.

CONTACTS:

CLC – Elke Wiesmann 0417 877 579

NLC – Martha Tattersall 0427 031 382

Gunyungara signs Township Lease

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 02:11:00 GMT

The community of Gunyangara in north east Arnhem Land celebrated the signing of a 99-year township lease to the Ngarrariyal Aboriginal Corporation on 18 November 2017, 10 years after the Gumatj people, led by Dr Galarrwuy Yunupingu, put forward a similar proposal to then Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough.

NLC Chairman Sam Bush-Blanasi said the lease “marks a new direction under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act.”

“At the Northern Land Council, we didn’t like the way the Land Rights Act was first changed to allow for township leasing. That’s because the lease was held by a Commonwealth officer, the Executive Director of Township Leasing,” Mr Bush-Blanasi said.

“Under that law, it was the EDTL who held the head lease over a community, and in the end it was the EDTL who would get to have the say over who got to use the land within the community. At the NLC we opposed that model of leasing, because we didn’t like the way it could take the power away from Traditional Owners.

“Our opposition to the EDTL put a fair bit of stress on our relationship with (Indigenous Affairs) Minister Nigel Scullion. But, he listened to us, and he was prepared to change his mind. He listened to us and he changed his policy. I want to pay a tribute to Nigel for doing that.

“And, might I say, the relationship between Nigel and the NLC is on a much better footing these days. I’d go so far to say that the relationship is positive and constructive, and that’s a good thing for Aboriginal people in the NLC region.

“What Nigel came up with was a new model for township leasing, which put the EDTL on the sideline. The new model allows the township lease to be held by an Indigenous controlled entity. So, Aboriginal people themselves will be in control of their own destiny.

“Aboriginal people at Gunyangara will be making the decisions about who gets to sub-lease land and how the community is developed,” Mr Bush-Blanasi said.

Senator Scullion said the lease would enable the Gumatj people to leverage their land assets for economic and community benefit.

“This lease is the first of its kind to be handed over to an Aboriginal community organisation. "The community entity model was developed at the request of Traditional Owners. The Gunyangara lease provides the first example of how a local Aboriginal corporation can hold and administer a township lease,” he said.

As a result of the township lease the Coalition Government has contributed $2.5 million under the Economic Development Fund to support subdivision and employee housing in Gunyangara, in addition to a $5.3 million employee housing project.

A Territory Treaty

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 00:51:00 GMT

The NLC’s Executive Council hosted a workshop in Darwin, 19-20 February, to discuss how a Treaty could be progressed between the Northern Territory Government and Aboriginal people. Staff of the Central Land Council also attended. The workshop preceded a meeting of the Executives of the four NT Land Councils in Darwin in early March.

Harry Hobbs*, a PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales presented a paper at the workshop, and his article below draws from that presentation.

Following his election in 2016, Chief Minister Michael Gunner indicated that his government was prepared to discuss the possibility of negotiating a treaty with the Territory’s Aboriginal people.

Although developments have been slow, treaty is still a priority, and the government is poised to announce plans to progress discussions with Aboriginal people. These moves are promising. They mark the first time in history that a Territory government has seriously considered a treaty. As Central Land Council Director David Ross and Northern Land Council CEO Joe Morrison have noted, however, the matter of a treaty and what it comprises is “sensitive and complex”. It is crucial that Aboriginal people are well-prepared to drive the process—rather than have government lead.

In this article, I broadly set out possible outcomes under a treaty, note that legal complications suggest that it is prudent to involve the Commonwealth in a formal or informal capacity, and outline three potential approaches to negotiating a treaty. The aim is to ensure that all Aboriginal people are ready for what might happen next.

What is a treaty, and what outcomes are possible?

There are many examples of agreements between Indigenous peoples and governments, both in Australia and around the world. In the Northern Territory, for instance, there are agreements relating to land rights, joint-management of national parks, and resource benefit-sharing agreements, among many others. Simply calling an agreement a treaty does not make it so. A treaty is a special kind of agreement that must satisfy three conditions. First, it must recognise Aboriginal people as a distinct community as well as acknowledge the deep historic and contemporary injustices that invasion has caused. Second, a treaty is a political agreement that must be reached by way of a fair process of negotiation between equals. Third, a treaty must contain more than symbolic recognition, or service delivery provisions.

The specific outcomes that a treaty can entail vary widely, reflecting the different aspirations of negotiating parties across the globe. Based on the aspirations of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory, as recorded in the Barunga, Kalaringi and Uluru Statements, as well as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the contemporary treaties negotiated in Canada, a treaty in the Territory might include terms relating to: transfer of land, and rights over resources and cultural heritage; financial compensation to satisfy outstanding claims and secure autonomous functioning of services within Aboriginal lands; and, some degree of self-government. This may amount to powers similar to local government, or could potentially go further and include the administration of justice, family, and social services, education, and healthcare. Importantly, however, while this could recognise the inherent sovereignty of Aboriginal nations, a treaty will be subject to Australian law. Commonwealth laws will therefore apply where a conflict or inconsistency arises with a treaty or Aboriginal law.

Northern Territory First Nations will be best placed to know exactly what they want in any treaty, but this brief survey gives some indication of the types of things that may be agreed to. Nonetheless, Aboriginal-led consultations and discussions must take place across the Territory before any negotiations commence.

Legal complications

A critical question that needs to be answered before Aboriginal people in the Territory determine what outcomes they desire under a treaty is a legal one. The Northern Territory is not a State, and therefore has limited powers in certain areas. Will these limitations complicate a potential treaty?

The Northern Territory’s powers are delegated from the Commonwealth Parliament and are set out in two instruments: The Northern Territory (Self-Government) Act 1978 (Cth) and the Northern Territory (Self-Government) Regulations 1978 (Cth) . All of the Territory’s authority flows from these two Acts. The Self-Government Act and the Self-Government Regulations provide broad law-making power over issues connected to Indigenous Affairs. Under these Acts, the Northern Territory could enter into a treaty with Aboriginal nations.
However, there are two complications which suggest that the Commonwealth should be involved in any treaty negotiation. First, the Northern Territory has limited powers over Aboriginal Land, and any treaty must be consistent with the Australian Constitution and all current and future Commonwealth laws.

Limited power over Aboriginal Land

The Northern Territory has no power over matters that relate to Aboriginal Land as defined under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1975 (Cth). This means that certain terms could be excluded from the negotiation of any treaty signed solely with the Northern Territory. In relation to lands and resources, for example, a treaty could not: transfer rights to subsurface minerals under Aboriginal Land to Aboriginal control; overrule a declaration by the Governor-General to grant an exploration licence over the wishes of Traditional Owners; or entirely exclude the Crown from occupying Aboriginal Land. There may be more limitations.

It is also unclear whether a treaty could include provisions relating to self-government and sovereignty on Aboriginal Land. This is because some provisions of the Land Rights Act suggest that it recognises Aboriginal governance systems. For instance, section 69(2) of the Act permits Aboriginal peoples to determine who has the authority to enter and remain on sacred sites in accordance with their traditions. This is both a property right (the right to exclude) and a recognition of Aboriginal self-governance (as the source of the right to exclude lies in the traditional law of the Aboriginal nation). Indicative of the legal uncertainty surrounding recognition of self-governance rights however, the existence of the Northern Territory Local Government Act suggests that a treaty could include self-governance rights akin to local government.

Complications may exist in relation to provisions concerning land and resources and self-government, but there is no restriction on the Northern Territory providing reparations, compensation, or other financial guarantees to Aboriginal nations. Compensation, a capital fund, and financial transfers, could be part of a treaty.

As noted, these limitations apply only to Aboriginal Land in the Territory. They do not apply to the approximately 50 per cent of land not covered by the Land Rights Act. Over this land, many other mechanisms to recognise Aboriginal sovereignty could be included in a treaty including, an elected Aboriginal body to advise government on proposed laws that affect Aboriginal peoples in the Territory, and/or greater Aboriginal representation on government boards. Rights to subsurface minerals could also be included in a treaty that covers non-Aboriginal Land.

Limitations arising from the Australian Constitution

These limitations can be worked through, but the second legal complication is more significant. The Northern Territory’s powers are subject to limitations imposed by the federal Constitution. A Northern Territory Act giving effect to a treaty must be consistent with all current and future Commonwealth laws. This means that even if a treaty negotiated with the Territory could include expansive self-government powers on Aboriginal Land, a future Commonwealth law could overrule it. This would remain the case even if the Northern Territory achieved statehood. The only way to prevent this from occurring would be by a referendum to insert a new protection against racial discrimination or a provision protecting “treaty rights” in the Constitution. Neither of these proposals was included in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

In summary then, the Northern Territory can negotiate a treaty with Aboriginal nations. The treaty cannot include terms that concern Aboriginal Land under the Land Rights Act. If First Nations wish to enter into a treaty that includes terms that do relate to Aboriginal Land, the Territory needs Commonwealth support. Even if a Treaty does not legally require Commonwealth action however, it would be prudent to involve the Commonwealth. Otherwise we may find that a treaty in the Territory is overruled by a future federal government.

How should treaties be negotiated?

The second key question that Northern Territory First Nations need to determine before negotiations commence is a process one: How should treaties be negotiated? A choice can be made among three options. First, one overarching treaty for all Aboriginal peoples in the Territory is signed. Second, each nation negotiates separate treaties. Or, third, a middle ground, whereby one umbrella agreement with multiple separate side agreements is negotiated. First Nations across the globe have adopted different approaches.

A single overarching treaty

The Treaty of Waitangi between Māori Chiefs and the British Crown is an example of a single overarching treaty. Under this approach, one treaty that encompasses all Northern Territory First Nations and the Territory (and potentially Commonwealth) government would be negotiated and signed. This approach is likely to be favoured by the Northern Territory and Commonwealth, as it avoids complications in negotiating and implementing a large number of agreements with diverse groups across the Territory.

This approach offers two clear strengths. First, it ensures that rights and obligations are consistent for all Aboriginal nations. Second, assuming agreement between Aboriginal nations is reached, a Territory-wide treaty could be negotiated relatively quickly, because government can focus on one forum, rather than many.

It also comes with several weaknesses however. Significantly, in the rush for a single-agreement, local needs and aspirations of distinct Aboriginal nations may be ignored or dismissed. Indeed, this fact suggests that that a treaty negotiated this way may take many years because there will likely be difficulties in securing agreement between all Territory First Nations. In any case, following that agreement, there is no guarantee that government will negotiate more quickly under this approach.

A series of separate treaties with each Aboriginal nation

This approach has been adopted in British Columbia, Canada, and in the preliminary negotiations towards treaty in South Australia. Under this approach, separate treaties would be negotiated and signed between individual Northern Territory First Nations and the Territory and Commonwealth governments.

Once again, this approach has several strengths and weaknesses. First, separate treaties more accurately reflect the sovereignty of each nation and mean that agreements struck are more likely to closely track the specific aspirations and needs of Aboriginal nations across the Territory. Second, because some nations may already be in a position to negotiate, some treaties may be agreed to in a short period.

Conversely, capacity disparities between First Nations in the Territory might result in weaker rights and obligations for some nations. Larger nations with more resources may be in a position to demand more from government than others. This is a serious problem, but it could be rectified by including a term in all treaties allowing for renegotiation if stronger rights are agreed to in other agreements. However, such a term would not overcome all capacity disparities, and for smaller nations it may take many years before a treaty is finally agreed to. In the meantime, if the Northern Territory government later decides to stop negotiating, some nations will have treaties while others may not.

As I mentioned, this approach has been adopted in British Columbia, Canada. In order to mitigate capacity disparities among First Nations, the British Columbia Treaty Commission was established in 1993. The Treaty Commission is an independent and impartial body designed to facilitate treaty negotiations. It consists of five commissioners: two appointed by First Nations, one each by the Federal and Provincial governments, and one further commissioner agreed to by the three parties. Although the Commission and the treaty process face challenges, since 1993 eight treaties have been finalised, and a further seven are close to completion. This Commission may be a useful example for Aboriginal nations in the Territory.

Combination of an overarching treaty and underlying separate treaties

The third approach combines elements from both the first and second models. Here, one general agreement containing provisions consistent across the Territory would be agreed to, but with scope for separate side agreements to be reached by individual First Nations to reflect their specific aspirations and needs.

This approach also has its own strengths and weaknesses. Most significantly, it ensures that a minimum standard is agreed to across the Territory, while providing scope for specific agreements to reflect local needs and aspirations. This two-stage process also means that the broad contours of a treaty can be reached relatively quickly, while the harder, more specific terms can be negotiated later. Conversely, once again, capacity disparities may mean that some First Nations gain weaker rights than others. Additionally, while the two-stage process offers advantages, it does require government to sustain momentum and engagement after securing an umbrella agreement.

This approach has been adopted in the Yukon Territory in Northwest Canada. The Yukon Umbrella Agreement constitutes a general agreement over certain matters, specifying a broad single standard under which specific First Nations can negotiate separate treaties for additional or distinctive rights depending on their situation. The Umbrella Agreement identifies which provisions apply to all agreements, as well as areas where First Nations may negotiate provisions specific to their own needs. Under this process, 11 of the 14 Yukon First Nations have signed and ratified treaties. Three have chosen not to participate.

Points to consider

Whether a treaty should be negotiated, what its terms may include, and how the process should be structured, are questions that must be determined by all Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory. This paper has simply raised several points that need to be considered before those negotiations take place in order to ensure Aboriginal nations are ready.

I end with three points. First, this discussion has revealed that it is important for the Commonwealth to be involved in any treaty negotiations. Legally, there are questions over the Territory’s authority to negotiate certain terms, and politically, the federal Parliament could legislate to overrule the terms of any treaty. Unfortunately, an important safeguard in Canada is not present here – treaties will not be constitutionally protected.

Second, whatever approach is adopted must be consistent with Northern Territory First Nations needs and aspirations, but it is necessary to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each model. Nonetheless, regardless as to what process is adopted, agreement needs to be reached by Aboriginal people in the Territory over desired outcomes. This could take considerable time. In Victoria, for example, it has taken more than 18 months of discussion and consultation and an Aboriginal Representative Body has still not been established.

Finally, Territory First Nations should not have to choose between treaty or constitutional recognition. Indeed, as Megan Davis has argued, “treaty is recognition”. The Uluru Statement from the Heart called for the creation of a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making between government and First Nations. In the face of Commonwealth government inaction, a Territory Treaty (or Treaties) offers hope for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across the country.

*Harry Hobbs is a PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales. This paper draws from a presentation he made at the Northern Land Council’s Treaty Workshop in Darwin, 19-20 February 2018.

Sacred sites protected under final Kenbi Open Area Declaration

Thu, 22 Mar 2018 02:06:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council has welcomed the official gazettal this week of the Kenbi Open Area Declaration over beaches and the intertidal zone of Aboriginal land in the Cox Peninsula vicinity.

The gazettal clarifies the public’s ongoing access to the area following the settlement of the long-running Kenbi land claim, while also protecting sacred sites.

In 2016, approximately 52,000 hectares of land on the Cox Peninsula, including a number of islands and reefs in Bynoe Harbour, were granted as Aboriginal land under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. This was done to settle the long-running Kenbi land claim.

As part of the settlement of the Kenbi Land Claim, the NLC and the Northern Territory government negotiated a compensation package to allow for people to access beaches and to fish in the intertidal waters and reef areas of Cox Peninsula without a permit.

By agreement, permit-free access was restricted in some areas and prohibited in others. Sacred sites have always been protected in accordance with the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 and access to sacred sites has always been restricted in accordance with that Act .

In June 2016, the NLC published a map which detailed those restrictions. Since then, the Government has worked closely with the NLC and the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA, an Authority of the NTG), to map in detail restrictions around sacred sites. The 2016 map has now been refined following extensive consultations by AAPA and NLC with Traditional Owners and custodians. This final Declaration will give certainty to the public as to where they will be able to travel and fish at Cox Peninsula.

Significantly, access is now prohibited to Quail Island, Djajalbit Islet and the northern beach of Indian Island, because they contain important sacred sites.

Access is also prohibited to Two Fella Creek and other areas in the northern Cox Peninsula to protect a number of important sacred sites. The northern Cox Peninsula area is not Aboriginal land, but it will be granted to the Kenbi Land Trust as Kenbi freehold title under the Kenbi Land Trust Act 2011(NT). As such, it will be private land.

“This declaration will give much comfort to Traditional Owners and custodians and I welcome the Government’s commitment to protect sacred sites which are integral to the Northern Territory’s cultural heritage,” NLC CEO Joe Morrison said.

He reminded the public that Aboriginal land is private land and requested all to respect the Traditional Owners and custodians.

* The Administrator declared the final Kenbi Open Area Declaration by notice in the Gazette on Wednesday 21 March 2018.

The map of the final Kenbi Open Area Declaration showing access and sacred site restrictions can be viewed on the NLC’s website at: www.nlc.org.au/visiting-aboriginal-land/kenbi

Submission to the Northern Territory Social Policy Scrutiny Committee: Animal Protection Bill 2018

Sun, 18 Mar 2018 14:30:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council (NLC) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the Social Policy Scrutiny Committee and is hopeful that the advice provided will be seriously considered in the formulation of the Committee’s report to the Legislative Assembly in respect of the Animal Protection Bill 2018

The Wardaman: Looking after Country

Wed, 14 Mar 2018 01:58:00 GMT

Birds are closely connected to Wardaman culture. Many Wardaman dances have been adapted from bird movements and much Wardaman rock art depicts birds.

Wardaman believe that birds “sing their country” and protecting them is important because they are so closely linked to culture and history. One special case is the endangered Gouldian Finch ( Erythrura gouldiae ) whose populations have decreased with the advent of cattle industries and modern burning practices on the northern savannahs.

Following finch sightings in a general biodiversity survey in September 2015 on the Wardaman IPA, Wardaman rangers are developing a Gouldian Finch Recovery Program with support from Territory NRM.

The first aim of this program was to establish the size of the finch population and their locations on the IPA. In the late dry season of 2016, between September and October, Wardaman rangers conducted waterhole monitoring at five locations on the IPA and detected flocks at several locations.

The second aim of the program was to locate nesting areas of the finch. Between the April-June 2017 nesting season, Wardaman rangers surveyed several locations. To attract Gouldian Finches in their nesting habitat, rangers adopted a modern technique. They broadcast recorded Gouldian mating calls from special purpose software through portable high-powered wireless speakers.

Protection of finch habitat from frequent fire is one vital strategy in the Gouldian Finch recovery program. The information gathered from these surveys helped identify and quarantine finch habitat for the first time in fire management plans in aerial and ground burning activities in April-May 2017.

This work has also allowed the Wardaman rangers to further develop their skills in biodiversity field surveys since their September 2015 survey. Recently, the Wardaman rangers attended the Barrapunta birds forum to demonstrate their new found skills and exchange information with their peers.

Remembering Land Rights News 1988

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 03:33:00 GMT

These days, the Northern and Central Land Councils each publishes its own editions of Land Rights News. Thirty years ago, the time of the Australia’s Bicentenary, Land Rights News was a joint publication, and its production was not without tribulation.

The artist and writer Chips Mackinolty worked on Land Rights News for the NLC 30 years ago. In the following contribution, he recalls the difficulties that had to be overcome in the pre-digital age.

The Central and Northern land councils had been planning for the Bicentennial of 1988 for a very long time—indeed the NLC executive had rejected any participation in Bicentennial events as early as 1986. The CLC followed soon after, along with many Aboriginal organisations in the NT.

A key decision made by the two mainland land councils in 1987 was that there be a special anti-Bicentenary edition of Land Rights News , then and for many years afterwards, a co-production.

Running a newspaper from two places—Alice Springs and Darwin—was difficult enough in the days before emails: copy would be faxed, then re-typed, then typeset at the printers. Some poor bugger from the CLC would fly up in the last couple of days to help put the paper to bed.

But for the anti-Bicentenary? The decision was made to produce 100,000 copies, and create and print it in Sydney.

Madness.

Two of us were dispatched to Sydney from Darwin about three weeks out, after already covering stories such as Wally Fejo’s role in the 1 January anti-Bicentenary protest in Darwin on behalf of the Larrakia—and gathering similar yarns from Darwin to La Perouse.

Back in those days, newspaper production was way different. Nothing was digital, and pretty much everything was done by hand: from written copy to type to proofreading; then sending the copy to the printers for typesetting—which would come back in long strips of paper called galleys.Corrections would be made to the galleys and sent back, and then the final strips of type would be cut out and then glued and laid out by hand. Headlines would be made from a plasticised transfer film called Letraset; and “rulings” with Letraline. Scanning didn’t exist then. Physical photographs and graphics—all in black and white—would have to be correctly sized, then sent to a darkroom to be sent back to be laid out as bromides. Colour? Huh! Again spot colour placement would be done as layers, and then carefully laid out “spot colour” separations. Each page could take an hour to produce, with the layouts then sent to the printers to be photographed as a negative film, and then re-made as metal plates.

And only then could the printing start.

Land Rights News was lucky. Redback Grafix—with a long history of supporting Aboriginal organisations in the Territory—hosted the pre-production nightmare at their studio in Annandale, with help from Redback staff including Michael Callaghan and Marie McMahon, as well as others such as the journalist, Kaz Cooke. They all put up with the shouting matches between the two lads from Darwin who had been sent down to put the paper to bed. A kind soul lent us a house around the corner to stay in, as well as store the thousand T-shirts we had brought with us.

We printed at Media Press—then run by Eddie Obeid. They produced most of the student and ethnic newspapers at the time. Eddie got into a bit of trouble a couple of decades later with ICAC, but there you go. There was also a dyslexic typesetter, who sent copy back with different mistakes each time, and the subsequent terror of laying out corrections line-by-line to cover those mistakes. There was what to do with 100,000 40- page newspapers weighing nine tonnes. People lent us trucks, and the Aboriginal and Islander Dance Theatre gave us storage space in an old church in Glebe. More trucks to get the papers to Hyde Park for the 40,000 marchers on the day. More trucks to get them back, and then back on the road interstate after it was all over.

And the edition of Land Rights News itself? It covered a huge range of articles and ideas—including news of the establishment of the Royal Commission into Deaths in Custody, and proposals to establish what would become ATSIC. The cover was by a founding member of Boomalli Aboriginal Artists, Fern Martins. It advertised the Barunga Festival which gave birth to the Barunga Statement, and Bob Hawke’s stillborn promise of a Treaty.

Within weeks we were back in Darwin for the next issue of Land Rights News which, among other things, gave us a wonderful account by John Christophersen—then as now deputy chair of the NLC—about the 1000-strong convoy of Aboriginal people from the Kimberley, the Territory, South Australia and New South Wales who drove by road to Sydney to attend the anti-Bicentenary march.

Later that year, Land Rights News went on the win the media prize in the annual national Human Rights Commission awards. The following year, the biggest and oldest Aboriginal newspaper in Australia started heading towards the digital world, winning Australian Macworld Expo Art Award for tabloid newspapers.

Pastoral Land Bill Changes Wanted

Tue, 13 Mar 2018 03:17:00 GMT

The Northern Land Council is pressing the Northern Territory Government to amend its Pastoral Land Legislation Amendment Bill, which, in its present form, would give pastoralists the right to secure sub-leases on their properties to allow for land to be used for a range of non-pastoral purposes, but would severely curtail the rights of native title holders.

When the Government announced the Bill in October last year, it said sub-leases would “help boost jobs and economic productivity in regional and remote areas by unlocking the development potential of the pastoral estate.”

“Specifically, sub-leases for non-pastoral uses will expand the range of existing uses … and will be registered on the title to provide a security for investors,” the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Lauren Moss, said in a press release on 18 October last year.

The Government, while having “listened to” the NT Cattlemen’s Association’s advocacy of sub-leases, did not consult with Land Councils about the Bill. That led NLC CEO Joe Morrison to say, “It’s outrageous that there has been absolutely no discussion with the NLC or native title holders about these proposed changes. The Northern Territory Government needs to include Aboriginal people in the future development of the pastoral estate, as is their right as native title holders. This government should know better than to further marginalise us through discriminatory legislation. We want to be involved in economic development while protecting our culture and sacred sites.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner conceded that Land Councils should have been consulted, and agreed to put the Bill on hold until after its consideration by the Parliament’s Economic Policy Scrutiny Committee.

Mr Morrison and the NLC’s Principal Legal Officer Michael O’Donnell subsequently met with Minister Moss and her advisers. “It was apparent at that meeting that neither the Minister nor her advisers were aware of the significant impact these proposed amendments would have on native title holders as they seem to be regarded as merely technical,” Mr Morrison and CLC Director David Ross wrote to the Chief Minister on 29 November.

Mr Morrison has also considered the pastoral land issue in the context of the government’s wish to negotiate a treaty with Aboriginal people. “If these legislative amendments are rushed through the Parliament, it will put into question the government’s bona fides, because a lot of what would be in a treaty needs to consider the pastoral estate that covers almost half of the Territory land mass,” he said.

“These amendments would undermine the treaty process and I ask, why would Aboriginal people then bother talking about a treaty?’ If we could have a process such as that which drove Project Sea Dragon on Legune Station (for a huge prawn farm),then we may have a future co-existing in the NT. But, if the NT Parliament persists in passing these amendments, then we are in for a hell of a ride.”

The NLC is the native title representative body recognised under the Native Title Act 1993 , in relation to the top end of the NT including the Tiwi Islands, Groote Eylandt and the adjacent seas. There are currently 62 determinations of native title on 63 pastoral leases in the NLC region (there are 20 such determinations in the CLC region).

In their letter to the Chief Minister, Messrs Morrison and Ross said, “It’s important to note that pastoral lessees do not own the land and do not have a right of exclusive possession. Native title co-exists with a pastoral lease on the same area and the rights of native title holders require equal respect along with the pastoral lessee. This has been clear since 1996 from the High Court case in Wik and confirmed in the Northern Territory in a number of Federal cases since that time.”

The NT Government was able to back the NT Cattlemen’s Association’s push for sub-leases on pastoral properties because of the Howard Government’s amendments to the Native Title Act – the so-called 10-point plan which then Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer said provided “bucket loads of extinguishment” (of native title) to the disadvantage of native title holders. Mr Morrison and Mr Ross also recorded in their letter to the Chief Minister that their talks with Minister Moss and her advisers had revealed “an alarming lack of the awareness” that the power for the NT Government’s to legislate for sub-leases was sourced in the Howard 10-point plan.

That was the same power that enabled the previous CLP government to legislate for non-pastoral use permits, which can be approved for 30 years to allow for pastoral lease land to be used for activities such as agriculture, horticulture, aquaculture, forestry and tourism (non-pastoral use permits were introduced before Mr Morrison was appointed NLC CEO, and he has said it was “a matter of personal regret that the NLC did not rise up to oppose the legislation” at the time).

The 10-point plan provided for a range of primary production activities on pastoral leases without the right-to-negotiate provisions of the Native Title Act applying. The native title is effectively suspended without upfront compensation for the term of the activities.

The NT Government’s latest Bill would mean that native title holders and claimants would have only minor procedural rights – to be notified of the proposal, an opportunity to comment, and to seek compensation through a court case for the effect on their native title. On current trends, that would take years to finalise. By contrast, the right-to-negotiate allows native title holders to be at the negotiating table and to be actively involved in the approvals for the development, and provides an opportunity to be involved in and benefit from the economic development proposed.

The 29 November letter from Messrs Morrison and Ross to the Chief Minister concluded:

“In summary, the effect of the previous introduction of the non-pastoral use permits and now potentially to provide for sub-leases for intensive uses of the land is of deep concern, as it clearly will (at a practical level) preclude the carrying out of native title rights and interests. The removal of the right-to-negotiate provisions of the Native Title Act to apply to the approval of these developments means there is no requirement and effective opportunity for native title holders to be involved in the economic activity that affects their interests and will occur on their traditional lands without their consent. It would also significantly impact their ability to protect sacred sites as the mere notification and comment procedures are demonstrably inadequate where intensive land uses are proposed.

“The primary production activities that may now be facilitated through the grant of a non-pastoral use permit or proposed registrable sub-lease (such as forestry, agriculture and horticulture) are predominantly intensive land uses that preclude the carrying out of native title rights and interests in those areas, as the Explanatory Notes state in relation to the proposed amendments to bring in sub-leasing for non-pastoral purposes: ‘The intent of this provision is to support the non-pastoral use amendments made to the Act in 2014 and potential investment and diversification of the pastoral estate’.

“Whilst at one level there is no objection to diversification on pastoral leases everything else being equal in terms of environmental, social and cultural impacts it is the effective exclusion of native title holders from the proposed development because of the impact of the implementation of the 10 Point Plan amendments in the Northern Territory that is of concern.

‘It is appreciated that in communications with Mr. Morrison that you have decided to withdraw the proposed amendments in relation to sub-leasing at this time. If the Developing the North agenda is to be inclusive and equitable then it must also respectfully and meaningfully involve the many thousands of Aboriginal people in the NT that hold native title where pastoral leases also exist on their traditional country.

“To address this issue in a fair and equitable manner we are proposing that a legal right be recognised in the Pastoral Land Act that will enable the co-existing native title holders on pastoral leases a substantive say and involvement in the grant of any non-pastoral use permit or sub-lease. This is so they can also benefit from new economic activities on their traditional lands. This should be set in an agreed policy framework that also provides for an economic development package to facilitate this process and involvement in new developments by native title holders.”

The Economic Policy Scrutiny Committee is due to report back to Parliament by mid-March.

This article first appeared in Land Rights News Northern Edition February 2018.

Land Rights News Northern Edition February 2018

Wed, 07 Mar 2018 03:24:00 GMT

Land Rights News was first printed in 1976 and is Australia's longest-running Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands from across the Northern Territory.

Native Title Act changes challenged

Sun, 04 Mar 2018 03:56:00 GMT

Senator Patrick Dodson, Shadow Assistant Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, comments on the Australian Government Options Paper, Reforms to the Native Title Act 1993, launched at the end of November 2017.

Native title rights, founded in our common law, and recognised in legislation, should not be changed, extinguished or modified at the whim of Governments, as part of any business-as-usual approach. This might not be the accepted position of most lawyers or politicians. However, as both a native title holder and a Parliamentarian, this is the view I take.

Common law rights in native title do not exist as a gift of the Parliament, nor as an act of largesse by the Government of the day. They are held exclusively by First Nations Peoples. However, Parliament has the authority to do, more or less, what it wants through the legislative process.

The Parliament can legislate which aspects of common law native title rights one can enjoy. It does not require consent from the First Peoples. The courts can then interpret whether the Parliament has validly enacted that legislation into Australian law. There may be some moral and political consequences for Governments that legislate without consideration of the views of native title holders.

This is how creeping, continuing dispossession happens. When native title holders enter into negotiation processes as set down in the legislation, they become enmeshed in the process of accepting the terms set down by Parliament that puts limits on the extent of their native title rights. In this way Parliaments assert their sovereignty over First Nations.

These rights are common law rights of the First Nations peoples, not the rights of the common man in the British tradition. They require more than a business as usual approach in the legislative process. Amending such legislation should always require the “free, prior and informed consent” of native title holders and First Nations Peoples, who are entitled to enjoy and hold such rights.

These rights can be however changed or modified by Parliaments as we do not have any Treaty or Constitutional entrenchment protecting the native title rights of First Nations peoples. The Crown through the Parliament can do what it likes with them without consequences except from laws based on its own British traditions. When Government compulsorily acquires or restricts these rights it should be morally obliged to compensate for them.

The Government has released an Options Paper, Reforms to the Native Title Act 1993. It was launched at the end of November 2017 and submissions are due by the end of February 2018. This is a ridiculously short period and highly inconsiderate of those native title nations that live across northern Australia and elsewhere.

This Options Paper seeks to consider matters discussed in the:

A consultation process on these complex issues was promised by the Government at the time of the passage of the Native Title Amendment (Indigenous Land Use Agreements) Bill 2017 earlier this year, in response to the McGlade decision of the Federal Court (McGlade v Native Title Registrar [2017] FCAFC 10).

The consultation process is meant substantially to happen at the end of the year and over the Christmas break. In remote northern Australia, this period of time, at the peak of the Wet, is less than ideal for consultation with native title holders.

Many of the issues raised in the Options paper go to significant issues of procedure, functioning and efficiency of the Native Title Act, with potential consequences known and unknown for native title holders. There is a need for ample time, resources and expertise to be devoted to such a project. I have urged the Government to ensure that its consultation and engagement processes on these issues are transparent and respectful; not rushed through as though they have the answers ready for delivery.

Since the days in 1998 of Howard and Fischer’s “10-point plan and bucket loads of extinguishment”, respect for native title rights has steadily diminished.

Since the original passage of the Act much has been done to restore the myth of terra nullius and to give it dominion over the existence of native title.

The purpose of the Act, “to recognise and protect native title”, has all but been set aside. I consider it necessary to shift the point of balance of honour in the Native Title Act more towards the rights, interests, needs and enjoyment of the First Nations peoples.

Pragmatism, efficiencies, and procedures under the Act should not be weighted in favour of third parties to the detriment of native title holders. The underpinning principles of cultural continuity, communally held interests, and country shared and cared for by native title holders should inform any changes. These foundations are the very essence of native title rights and indeed are what constitutes the uniqueness of people holding native title rights or asserting a claim for it against the Crown.

From my own perspective, as a native title holder, and now as a legislator in opposition, I have identified six key areas where the functioning of the Act requires some reworking to maintain, strengthen and to enable native title holders to truly enjoy them. Hopefully, to also better align the legislation to the vision of Eddie Koiki Mabo that was recognised by the High Court.

These matters will probably not be considered in these consultations by the Government. However, they should be matters for native title holders to consider and put forward if they wish.

These are the issues of:

Dialogue around these issues with a view to recognising, honouring and protecting native title is surely overdue. A more honest debate around these areas would, in my view, restore the Act to something that the common law initially offered. Its fundamental purpose as stated in the objects of the Act is “to recognise and protect native title”. That fundamental purpose has been eroded.

Extinguishment

Extinguishment is a simple western legal concept but a weighty issue for native title holders. Deciding in an agreement to extinguish native title rights is a solemn and weighty burden for the native title holders. There is no treaty or constitutional entrenchment protecting native title rights.
Once it’s extinguished, native title is gone forever under western law, and terra nullius is reinstated. That is, the western land tenure system gets reinstated again over the lands and our unique native title rights are eliminated. If freehold is substituted (for native title) the land may have to be leveraged for the financial sustainability necessary to hold on to it; otherwise the land may be lost and we revert to requiring the largesse of the Crown.

Amending legislation that ignores this problem will only continue to entrench injustice and more native title will be lost.

There are some Noongar people, from the southwest of my state of Western Australia, who were intensely concerned about this fact. That is that the Indigenous Land Use Agreement over the region of Perth required them to consent to the extinguishment of what remained of their traditional lands and hence their native title. It was an unjust legal fact that extinguishment of native title had occurred without the right to compensation prior to the commencement of the Racial Discrimination Act in 1975 over much of their traditional lands and waters.

The Agreement provided a significant bundle of benefits, that could go some way to providing the opportunity for their community to better deal with its legacy of disempowerment, discrimination and subsequent disadvantage.

It is a high price to pay though for the current generation of Noongar peoples, to agree that forever and a day, any native title rights they may hold are, by virtue of this agreement, extinguished forever on registration of the agreement. To be asked to deny your essence for monetary gain was not fair in their view. McGlade was about decision making. The Noongar peoples in the McGlade case had a victory in court but when it was brought to the Parliament, the Government with limited consultation, amended the Native Title Act in a way that did not support the McGlade ruling of the Federal court.

In my view, the dispute may have been avoided. Under the terms of the Native Title Act, such an Indigenous Land Use Agreement should have been made without requiring the extinguishment of the Noongar native title rights.

Our colonial history in Western Australia was often bitter and violent, as it was elsewhere. We need to ensure agreement making and truth telling acknowledges this kind of history and that reconciliation can emerge from that history.

The “extinguishment as a first resort” mentality disrupts the process of agreement making. It becomes a challenge to align the needs and desires of powerful third parties, like miners, with the rightful position of First Nations peoples.

Agreements need to be made without the price tag of extinguishment of native title; without requiring signing off on the permanent and total loss of our cultural and spiritual entitlements; and without denying our survival as a People and our ongoing rights to our native title lands.

As First Nations peoples we are not on equal terms with the Government and those that lobby against us or our unique identity. We do not have parity on the playing field of law making.

This denies our rights as First Nations Peoples and works against us maintaining our status as the world’s longest living surviving culture on this Earth. It denies our rights as Indigenous people, as recognised by Australia under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Decision-making

The Government’s Options Paper considers changes to the way native title claim groups and native title holders make decisions under the Act. Traditional decision making is seen by some as problematic.

For corporations time is money and lengthy consultation processes are seen as costly and unnecessary.

However, the cultural and communal integrity of decision-making processes based on customary law and practice should not be sacrificed to business expediency and corporate demands. There are big stakes at play and time should not be used against us.

Individualism and the western mode of decision-making may have impacted on traditional ways of decision making for some First Nations peoples. Contemporary decision-making needs to respect our foundational fundamental traditions we hold or we risk becoming more western than cultural in our decision-making processes. Government decision-making processes tend towards that end.

The Government Options Paper raises significant questions on whether the Act and its associated Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) requirements and regulations should be amended to allow native title claim groups and native title holders to determine their own decision-making processes, rather than mandating the use of traditional decision-making where such a traditional process exists.

Ideally the Government wants nominated native title holders that are on the PBC to control the decision-making process. In my view, it is a problematic proposition that there should be a move away from traditional decision-making processes in the context of native title decision making. While I see the argument for greater efficiency of decision-making and the autonomy of native title bodies and PBCs, it is necessary for these groups to ensure that such actions do not erode or undermine the authority, culture and power we hold as Peoples with unique cultures, protocols, practices and traditions.

Fungibility

This is finding a way to do commercial things that lead to ongoing prosperity without losing the native title or having it extinguished and thereby losing communal title.

In economics, fungibility is the property of a good or a commodity whose individual units are essentially interchangeable; you can trade with it.
In May 2015, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda and the then Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson, now member for Goldstein, convened the Broome roundtable on Indigenous property rights. They began grappling with the communal, cultural, individual and corporate components that arise in this space.

This was no anti-development gathering; in fact there was much common ground found on what are more often than not conflicting positions.

The primary issue they identified was that of fungibility and communally held native title – enabling communities to build on their underlying communal title and create opportunities for sustainable economic development and prosperity. The grant of freehold automatically extinguishes native title and they were not supportive of this.

First Nations Peoples’ interests in land come from our inherited connection to specific country, connection to family and community from the same country, traditions and cultural beliefs. This is something all Australians should rejoice in rather than have Government seek to extinguish this essence.

Our native title land doesn’t inherently have the character of fungibility in the western sense. It is not tradable for a like commodity. Native title is collective and inalienable; it cannot be sold or transferred under state and territory conveyancing legislation. Its existence is an affront to this western land tenure thinking – what has to happen is a change to the way western thinking deals with this truth rather than seek to extinguish it.

The fact that native title and other Indigenous land is communally held and inalienable should not prevent it being used for economic gain, or community development. But it does require innovative and careful consideration on ways in which title and tenure can be held while pursuing economic opportunities. In this way we also ensure the hard won rights we have inherited from our ancestors can be used for the benefit of future generations and not surrendered for the convenience of third parties.

Compensation

Any reforms of the Native Title Act need to address the rights of compensation for the loss of enjoyment, access and use of native title lands and not just for its compulsory aquisition or extinguishment by the Crown.

While the constitutional just terms requirement will allow for this eventually, the requirement for extinguishment and the lack of fair compensation up front is unfair. There needs to be some administrative scheme that can provide compensation in a reasonably expeditious and inexpensive manner not the current requirement of endless court cases.

We need to get past the stumbling point in the conversation that crops up when the issue of compensation for lost land and opportunities arises.
It is an undeniable historical fact that First Nations Peoples in this continent had our lands taken from us without negotiation, without purchase, without consent; without any treaty, unlike other Commonwealth nations. We were also denied the opportunity to enjoy what was to be ours before it was taken without regard or justice to our unique human existence, cultures and enjoyments of our land, waters and environments.

The Timber Creek native title compensation case is an opportunity to go beyond just physical redress in defining compensation.

Onus of proof

There is a need to change the onus of proof the burden of proving native title in the Native Title Act from native title applicants to that of the Crown. I look to the example of Canada, where the common law has recognised that the Crown has a fiduciary relationship to the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

In Sparrow v. the Queen (R. v. Sparrow, [1990] 1 SCR 1075, 1990 CanLII 104 (SCC)), it was found that the Crown is constitutionally charged with providing guarantees to the First nations, so that the “honour of the Crown” is at stake in dealings between it and First Nations Peoples. In Australia, our sorry experience has been that the Crown has too often acted dishonorably in its dealings with First Nations Peoples. This is in the land tenure domain but also in the justice and constitutional recognition space as well.

Reforming the Native Title Act can address that point and return honour to the Crown. Reforming the Native Title Act to give enhanced recognition to the inherent and ongoing rights of First Nations Peoples is a worthy endeavour for any Government. Should this Government seek to go down this path, I will certainly lend my weight to the effort.

I recall sitting through protracted court procedures in my own native title case and witnessing the cross examination of my people, most unfamiliar with courtroom tactics and proceedings. They were constantly challenged by lawyers about their credibility, but they adhered to their Laws and customs and their protocols and they established that they had withstood the processes of colonisation and the dominance of Government politics of assimilation. The history of assimilation, incarceration and domination since the occupation of their lands was thrown at my people to try and discredit their maintenance of their beliefs, practices and cultural lives. The Crown should be on trial for how they tried to eradicate and destabilise us.

Pastoral Lease Upgrades

When the Wik Judgement came down in 1996, the pastoral lobby was up in arms. The High Court judgement talked of native title being coexistent and concurrent with those of the lease holder, but yielding if they conflicted with the purpose of the lease – usually grazing cattle or sheep.

What Howard gave to the lobby was a gratuity that they could upgrade up to 50% of their leases without requiring the consent of native title holders. This happened after all pastoral leases since 1975 were validated.

Now some state jurisdictions are talking about giving pastoral lease holders the right to sublease at commercial rates for a wide range of primary production activities. This includes irrigation, aquaculture, horticulture and forestry when pastoralists do not own the land and the co-existing title holder – the native title holders have no right to be involved in the proposed development on their traditional lands.

Native title holders are being dealt out of any such deal. Certainly, the right to negotiate over these upgrades has to be considered. This also has relevance to discussions on leveraging Native title held by First Nations people for economic growth and future prosperity.

No doubt these difficult and challenging topics will be put to one side in the current round of consultations by the Government. However, any of the current discussions should be mindful of just how much dispossession has already taken place through the processes of the Native Title Act.

Malak Malak ranger story

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 07:00:00 GMT

Meet Matthew, Amos, Aaron and Rob from the Malak Malak Ranger Group as they take you across their country. The Malak Malak Rangers manage 30,000 hectares of land along the iconic Daly River. Their land and sea management activities include managing intense invasive weed infestations, fire management, environmental monitoring and scared site protection. Their persistent work has seen the invasive weed Mimosa pigra eradicated on a 30km stretch of the Daly River.

Sabrina Wauchope, Croker Island Junior Ranger

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 06:14:00 GMT

Sabrina Wauchope, 16, is training to become a Garngi Ranger in her home of Croker Island.

This video was put together by female rangers who took part in media training at the Womens' Engagement Camp at Barrapunta Outstation in late September.

Bulgul Ranger Group

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 06:13:00 GMT

Find out how Bulgul Rangers have returned their country to almost the way it was in the past.

Quolls, dingos and migratory birds have now been identified, thought to have nearly disappeared. Ranger coordinator Ricky Cubillo tells NLC: "Our culture can be passed on to the younger generations and stories won't be lost thanks to the work of the Bulgul Ranger Group."

Numbulwar Numburindi Ranger Group

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 06:11:00 GMT

The Numburindi ranger group has one of the highest number of women engaged in the program.

Numburindi Rangers have decided that regular women's culture camps should be held to engage young women from the community with cultural heritage, healthy living and land management activities.

Wudicupildiyerr Outstation Rangers

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 06:08:00 GMT

The Wudicupildiyerr Outstation Rangers look after 160,000 hectares of land and sea throughout the Daly River/Port Keats Land Trust.

Since this video was made, Wudi Rangers have been successful in receiving NTG funding to provide infrastructure including power, ablution facilities and amenities at their ranger base, enabling them to continue the great work they have achieved over the years.

Roper Highway Upgrade

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 06:06:00 GMT

The Roper River Highway connects the Stuart Highway at Mataranka with the remote community of Ngukurr.

Following consultation and negotiation with Traditional Owners by the Northern Land Council, 7.3 km of sealed road and two high level bridges ave been constructed at the Roper River Crossing and the Wilton river Crossing.

Ganalanga Mindibirrina - Home of the Waanyi Garawa people

Mon, 19 Feb 2018 06:05:00 GMT

The Ganalanga-Mindibirrina Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) was declared on 29 June 2015 with a ceremony held at Wallace Creek on 29 June 2016.

Hear from the Waanyi and Garawa people on what the Ganalanga Mindibirrina Indigenous Protected Area means to them.

NLC Annual Report 2016-17

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 04:21:30 GMT

The Northern Land Council Annual Report 2016-17 provides a comprehensive account of the Council’s performance from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017.

Land Rights News Northern Edition October 2017

Tue, 31 Oct 2017 00:49:00 GMT

Land Rights News was first printed in 1976 and is Australia's longest-running Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands from across the Northern Territory.

In this final edition for 2017, there's a look at the McArthur River Mine compensation talks; Project Sea Dragon, which is planned to deliver a massive pawn farm producing 10,000 tonnes of black tiger prawns a year; and discuss the fracking interim report of the Scientific Enquiry.

Barry Hansen asks 'Where does the money go?' and states "There is a desperate need for an independent statutory monitoring body with the capacity and authority to analyse and report on the budgets and subsequent expenditure of each State and Terriotry as they affect Indigenous people."

McArthur River Mine Compensation Talks

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 14:30:00 GMT

The Northern Territory Government says it’s prepared to engage in discussions with the Northern Land Council about compensation to native title holders for the effect on native title rights and interests of the grant of mineral leases where the McArthur River Mine near Borroloola is situated.

The native title holders, Gurdanji and Yanyuwa peoples, have asked the NLC to negotiate compensation, “without the need for litigation, and to right the historic wrong by which the mine was established on their country without compensation”.

The mining and associated port operations at Bing Bong are conducted on mineral leases within the boundaries of the McArthur River Station. About one third of the pastoral lease area is used for grazing cattle. Mount Isa Mines (MIM) holds the mineral leases and the pastoral lease; McArthur River Mining Pty Ltd (MRM) is the mine operator; MIM and MRM are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Glencore plc.

Glencore is one of the world’s largest miners, processors and traders, and its McArthur River Mine is one of the world’s largest zinc-lead mines.

The McArthur River Mine was established by Northern Territory legislation – the McArthur River Project Agreement Ratification Act 1992. The mineral leases were granted on 5 January 1993 for a term of 25 years, with a right of renewal for a further 25-year term

The leases offended the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. Further, the Native Title Act 1993 included a special provision applying to the McArthur River Mine which meant that native title there was not extinguished (the “non-extinguishment principle”), and that compensation was payable.

Beginning in the mid-1990s, the NLC has sought to negotiate the quantum and nature of compensation, but the Northern Territory Government would not entertain negotiations until native title was established.

On 26 November 2015, native title was determined over the McArthur River pastoral lease, including in relation to the mineral lease areas. Under the “non-extinguishment principle”, the native title will have full force and effect when the mineral leases come to an end in 2043.

“As such, we see no reason why negotiations cannot now commence in respect of the NTG’s liability for the grant of the mineral leases,” the NLC has told the government. “Such negotiations would address liability under the Native Title Act and the Ratification Act.”

Chief Minister Michael Gunner has told the NLC that his government is prepared to engage in consultations, “in a spirit of goodwill to explore what settlement options might be available”.

“The Northern Territory Government prefers to resolve these issues by agreement, rather than through litigation, wherever possible.”

The NLC has also told the government that the mine has had enduring and significant adverse impacts on the native title rights of the Gurdanji and Yanuwa peoples: “The effects include adverse environmental impacts that involve long lasting, and largely irreversible, damage to their traditional country, and the effects on the native title holders as a result of being unable to access their traditional country and sites of spiritual significance located on the mineral leases which are no longer accessible.”

The NT Environment Protection Authority is currently assessing an Environment Impact Statement from MRM to redesign its waste rock dump (the NLC has comprehensively criticised the project). The company is also proposing a Closure Plan that would extend the life of the mine to 2047, with a closure phase extending out to 3017.

“The EIS and Closure Plan make plain that the effects of the mine will be ongoing for many generations, well beyond the time when the mineral leases expire in 2043, and that it will be necessary for the Territory, the mine owner and operator, and the native title holders, to make long term plans for the better management of the country affected by the mine,” the NLC has told the government.

As well, the Gurdanji and Yanyuwa peoples, through the NLC, are seeking to engage with Glencore to make an agreement for the operation of the mine beyond 2018 – that is, for the renewed term of the mineral leases up to 2043 and further beyond that for the rehabilitation and closure of the mine as may be required under the revised mine project.

Rockets to launch in north east Arnhem Land

Mon, 30 Oct 2017 14:30:00 GMT

The Arnhem Land Aboriginal Land Trust has granted a lease over 275 hectares of land near Gulkula in north east Arnhem Land to Gumatj Corporation Limited for use as a commercial rocket launching facility.

On 21 September, the Northern Land Council’s Executive Council, using its delegated powers, approved the lease and directed the Land Trust to grant the lease. The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Senator Nigel Scullion then gave his consent.

Gumatj Corporation proposes to sublease part of the land to a private company, Equatorial Launch Australia Pty Ltd (ELA), which will construct and operate the station on the Dhupuma Plateau on the Gulkala escarpment.
The east-facing coast and proximity to the equator make the site ideal for launching rockets.

The Chair of Space Industry Australia, Brett Biddington, told the ABC in July that the proposal by ELA made sense because of the Northern Territory’s remoteness and proximity to the equator.

“The closer you can get to the equator, if you launch to the east, you get the advantage of the Earth’s own rotation around its axis. So, you get the spin of the Earth giving an extra kick to your launch vehicle.

The facility will be called the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC). It will be Australia’s first civilian spaceport, and, when operational, will be the only facility of its kind in the south-east Asia region.

ELA has been contracted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), an independent agency of the United States Government responsible for the civilian space program as well as aeronautics and aerospace research, to prepare a feasibility study on launching “sounding rockets” from the ASC.

CONSULTATIONS

The NLC conducted extensive consultations about the proposal with the Gumatj clan and affected groups.
Preliminary consultations were held with the Gumatj on 27 July. Final consultations were held with the Gumatj at Gunyangara on 9 August, when the Gumatj people gave their consent to the lease in accordance with their traditional decision making process.

As well, the NLC consulted several other clans, other affected Aboriginal persons and Aboriginal organisations at Yirrkala on 3 August. Other meetings were held at Dhalinbuy on 31 July, at Wandawuy on 1 August (as part of a Laynhapuy Homelands Aboriginal Corporation meeting) and with Buymarr residents at Yirrkala on 2 August.
Widespread support was given by the attendees at these meetings.

PUBLIC SAFETY

ELA has advised that sounding rockets range in length from 5 to 20 metres. The sounding rockets that are likely to be used will be about 15 metres in length.

Soon after their launch, the rockets will drop their first stage within an exclusion zone approximately 1km from the launch site. The sounding rockets then rise in an arc and spend about 10-20 minutes in space where they will conduct scientific experiments before descending back to Earth by parachute.

An independent consultant engaged by the NLC advised that sounding rockets can be safely launched from the proposed site. He also advised that there will be no significant issues with noise, rocket motor exhaust and injury from normal debris and errant vehicles.

The independent expert further advised that there is enough distance between the launch site and neighbouring towns and outstations to protect local populations, and access to the site will be restricted.

“EXCITING DEVELOPMENT”

Because the lease agreement may be worth more than $1 million, it required the approval of the Indigenous Affairs Minister, Senator Nigel Scullion. He gave approval on 29 September.

“Coupled with the recent announcement by the Commonwealth Government of its intention to establish a domestic space agency, the potential establishment of a commercial rocket launching facility on remote Indigenous land in the Northern Territory represents an exciting development with regional and national economic benefits,” Senator Scullion told the NLC.

“UNCHARTED TERRITORY”

ELA CEO Scott Wallis said the Canberra-based company would use proven launch vehicle technologies to provide access to space for commercial, research and government organisations.

“This project provides a competitive alternative to large launch complexes, both in terms of infrastructure and associated launch costs,” he said.

“It will also support and complement recent Australian space developments and ventures in small satellite construction and space environmental testing, and supports increased access to the space environment and the benefits it provides to the Australian economy.”

“What we are doing has never been attempted commercially in Australia,” Mr Wallis said. “This is uncharted territory, it certainly can be done, and Australia will enter into new frontiers for its space industry once launches commence.”

Rocket safety expert, Dean Balach, assesses safety issues at the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC)

The NLC engaged a rocket safety expert, Dean Balach, to assess safety issues at the Arnhem Space Centre (ASC). He found “no significant issues” with launching rockets from ASC. Mr Balach has an extensive background with range safety and launch operations for similar rocket campaigns.

He said the ASC appears to be ideally located: “The range is close enough to the towns (Yirrkala, Gunyangara and Nhulunbuy) so services are available to the range personnel, (and) remote enough to afford ideal safety for the public.”

“The site location provides a substantial buffer to protect the public from all potential ground and flight safety risks, and the downrange population density offers the users many launch vehicle and trajectory options,” Mr Balach’s report concluded.

“Launch vehicle processing can be safely conducted on the range, as ASC affords the range user ample buffer to conduct ground operations for both Phase 1 and potential later phases.

“Given the proposed launch site and the sparse population distribution and density, Phase 1 sounding rockets can be safely launched from ASC.

“There are no significant issues with noise, rocket motor exhaust, or injury from normal debris or errant vehicles.

“Normal and dispersed impacting debris can be safely contained without undue burden for potential launch vehicles and trajectory options.”

What is a sounding rocket?

The website of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) says sounding rockets take their name from the nautical term “to sound”, which means to take measurements.

“Since 1959, NASA-sponsored space and earth science research has used sounding rockets to test instruments used on satellites and spacecraft and to provide information about the sun, stars, galaxies and Earth’s atmosphere and radiation,” NASA says.

“This type of testing is unique because it’s simple, cost effective and time efficient. The experiments for the payload can be developed in about six months. The rockets are divided into two parts; the payload and a solid-fuelled rocket motor. Many of the motors used are surplus military motors.

“After the launch, as the rocket motor uses its fuel, it separates from the payload and falls back to Earth. Meanwhile, the payload continues into space and begins conducting the experiment.

“In most cases, after the payload has re-entered the atmosphere, it is brought gently down to Earth by way of a parachute and is then retrieved. By recovering parts of the payload, it can be refurbished and flown again, resulting in tremendous savings.

“Scientific payloads are carried to altitudes from 30 miles to more than 800 miles (40km to 1287km). And although the overall time in space is short (typically five to 20 minutes), the experiment is perfectly positioned to carry out its mission successfully.

“Data is often collected and returned to Earth by telemetry links, which transfer the data from the payload directly to researchers on the ground. This is similar to how you pick up tunes on a radio.”

Land Rights News Northern Edition July 2017

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 23:35:00 GMT

The third issue of Land Rights News (Northern Edition) for 2017 features the 10-year anniversary of the Northern Territory Emergency Response (the “Intervention”).

Articles by Senator Pat Dodson and Jon Altman examine the consequences of the of the Intervention and its sudden imposition on NT Aboriginal communities.

Thalia Anthony in her article "NTER took the children away: detention, state protection and torture since the Intervention" writes: "Almost ten years after the Northern Territory Intervention was rolled out, the Federal Government was made aware of Aboriginal child abuse. It’s not the kind that ostensibly precipitated the Intervention. It is more a symptom of the Intervention”.

Brian Stacey worked in the Northern Territory from 2004 to 2009 as the Commonwealth’s senior officer responsible for Indigenous Affairs. He gives an “insider’s” account of the the Intervention.

John B Lawrence, in his article "Australia's Morality Play 2017", reflects on who knew what about the events that precipitated the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the NT.

The LRN editor in the article, "DON DALE: How the state brutalised a 14-year-old boy", tells the story of how a 14-year-old child, abandoned by the legal system and the highest levels of Northern Territory bureaucracy, railed against appalling cruelty.

And, details of a submission by the Northern Land Council, highly critical of a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the long-term management of waste rock at the McArthur River mine 65km south-west of Borroloola. The submission also criticised the NT Government’s inadequate regulation.

NLC Strategic Plan 2016 - 2020

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 23:17:58 GMT

This Strategic Plan reflects the Northern Land Council’s strategic direction for the period 2016 – 2020.

Land Rights News Northern Edition April 2017

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 14:30:00 GMT

Land Rights News was first printed in 1976 and is Australia's longest-running Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands from across the Northern Territory.

In this second edition for 2017, the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory publishes the Commission's “interim observations”; there are rexcerpts from NLC submission to the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing; Jon Altman reflects on the homelands movement; and there is a report on developments in the intertidal zone access and management, amongst other great articles.

Land Rights News Northern Edition January 2017

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 01:22:00 GMT

Land Rights News was first printed in 1976 and is Australia's longest-running Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands from across the Northern Territory.

In this edition, John B Lawrence SC comments on the Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory; Dr Rosalind Kidd gives an account of the Aboriginal labour exploitation in the Northern Territory; Michael Dillon discusses the ANAO Audit of the IAS; Ross Howie draws on his experience as a lawyer who worked on land claims for more than two decades; and Kirsty Howey looks inside the legal process of the Kenbi land claimThe Land Rights News, Northern Edition is printed quarterly - in January, April, July and October. Subscription enquiries should be directed to media@nlc.org.au or (08) 8920 5114.

Land Rights News Northern Edition October 2016

Fri, 30 Sep 2016 14:30:00 GMT

Land Rights News was first printed in 1976 and is Australia's longest-running Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands from across the Northern Territory.

This edition celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Wave Hill Walk-off, and an historic joint CLC and NLC Council meeting at Kalkarindgi in August.

Land Rights News Northern Edition July 2016

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 14:30:00 GMT

Land Rights News was first printed in 1976 and is Australia's longest-running Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands from across the Northern Territory.

The newspaper has long been jointly produced by the Northern Land Council and Central Land Council but with so much happening within the regions of both organisations a decision was made for each Land Council to independently produce its own publications. This ensured that both Land Council media teams had the scope to report on the issues which directly affect the lives of Aboriginal peoples living in their respective regions. So now, the NLC produces Land Rights News-Northern Edition and the CLC produces Land Rights News-Central Australia*.

Land Rights News Northern Edition April 2016

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 14:30:00 GMT

Land Rights News was first printed in 1976 and is Australia's longest-running Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands from across the Northern Territory. The newspaper has long been jointly produced by the Northern Land Council and Central Land Council but with so much happening within the regions of both organisations a decision was made for each Land Council to independently produce its own publications. This ensured that both Land Council media teams had the scope to report on the issues which directly affect the lives of Aboriginal peoples living in their respective regions. So now, the NLC produces Land Rights News-Northern Edition and the CLC produces Land Rights News-Central Australia*. The Land Rights News-Northern Edition is printed quarterly - in January, April, July and October. Subscription enquiries should be directed to media@nlc.org.au or (08) 8920 5114. *For subscription inquiries for the CLC's Land Rights News-Central Australia, email media@clc.org.au or phone (08) 8951 6215.

Land Rights News Northern Edition January 2016

Fri, 29 Jan 2016 01:57:00 GMT

Land Rights News was first printed in 1976 and is Australia's longest-running Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands from across the Northern Territory.

Land Rights News Northern Edition October 2015

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 06:55:00 GMT

Land Rights News Northern Edition January 2014

Thu, 30 Jan 2014 06:41:00 GMT

Submission on the NT Government’s draft Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Chain of Responsibility) Bill 2022

Fri, 16 Aug 2002 04:48:29 GMT

The NLC’s submission on the NT Government’s draft Environment Protection Legislation Amendment (Chain of Responsibility) Bill 2022 supports the introduction of environmental chain of responsibility laws and calls on the government to apply the laws to all industry sectors, not only onshore petroleum.

The submission focuses on the mining sector, where applying the laws would help to mitigate the significant risk of further legacy mine sites and their detrimental environmental outcomes.

NLC Annual Report 2015-16

Mon, 22 Jul 1017 05:04:58 GMT

Northern Land Council

Land Rights News March 2026

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory. ﻿

APO NT calls for urgent cost of living relief for remote Territorians

Remote Territorians left behind in natural disaster response

In the wake of historic flooding across the Top End, the NortheRn Land Council is calling on all levels of Government to listen to Aboriginal voices in the development and roll-out of disaster management in the Northern Territory.

Decades of fierce advocacy results in compensation decision

Following more than a decade of advocacy and court action by Gudanji, Yanyuwa and Yanyuwa-Marra peoples, today’s Federal Court decision on compensation is an important milestone for Native Title Holders.

Senate Order Reporting Contracts Jan25/Dec25

Senate Order for Entity Contracts listing related to the period 1 January 2025 - 31 december 2025

Native Title Holders Challenge Tourism on Lorella Springs Station

The Northern Land Council (NLC), on behalf of the Burdal Riley, Murrungun Wunubari and Mambali Walangara Native Title Holders, has been in the Federal Court this week to challenge a non-pastoral use permit and water licence granted to Lorella Springs Station by the NT Government.

Land Rights News December 2025

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Northern Land Council re- elects matthew Ryan as NLC chair

Council members from the Northern Land Council’s seven regions came together in Jabiru this week to decide on the leadership of the NLC for the next three years.

Larrakia Elders call on Federal Government to Protect Stokes Hill Sacred Site

Larrakia Elders Bill Risk and Helen Secretary are appealing to the federal Minister of the Environment and Water to safeguard the Stokes Hill sacred site against damage and desecration.

Joint Submission on the Environmental Protection Reform Bill 2025

NLC, CLC and Anindilyakwa Land councils joint submission into the Environment Protection Reform Bill 2025

Traditional Owners and SunCable sign landmark 70-year agreement to build Australia’s largest solar farm

Traditional owners, SunCable and the Northern Land Council reached a historic multi-generational 70-year agreement to build a 12,000-hectare solar farm on Powell Creek Station.

NLC Annual Report 2024-25

Environment law reform must safeguard future of remote communities

The Northern Territory’s land councils have told the federal government the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act must ensure big projects are subjected to the most stringent water and climate impact tests. ﻿

NLC acknowledges appointment of new NT Police Commissioner

The appointment of Martin Dole as the Northern Territory’s new Police Commissioner has been welcomed by NLC Chair Matthew Ryan.

Land Rights News: September 2025

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

NLC and Sea Shepherd collaboration cleans up remote beaches

A collaboration between the Northern Land Council and Sea Shepherd Australia has seen over 10 tonnes of rubbish cleared from South East Arnhem coastlines in a bid to protect and preserve Country.

Traditional Owners must be consulted: NLC condemns Waterfront sacred sites declaration

Traditional Owners must be consulted: NLC condemns Waterfront sacred sites declaration

National Learning on Country Summit Strengthens Partnerships and Sets a Shared Vision for the Future

The inaugural Learning on Country Northern Australia Summit brought together more than 100 delegates from across Northern Australia, including Elders, rangers, educators, government representatives, researchers, and community leaders.

NLC Corporate Plan 2025-26

The NLC Corporate Plan provides information about the significant activities which the NLC will undertake over the four years, 2025 - 26 to 2027/28.

Joint Release: Territory land councils will be respected

The four Northern Territory land councils have gathered for the first time since 2020 to warn against making decisions about their people – more than a third of the NT’s population - without them.

Senate Order Reporting Contracts FY24/25

Senate Order for Entity Contracts listing related to the period 1 July 2024 - 30 June 2025

﻿

Late Northern Land Council Chair recognised in King’s Birthday Honour

Former NLC Chair, the late Dr Bush Blanasi AM has been named as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) – General Division for his significant service to the Indigenous communities of the Northern Territory.

The Northern Land Council stands with desert mob and backs calls for an independent inquiry into police misconduct

The NLC backs the growing calls for an independent body to investigate police misconduct, following the death of another young Aboriginal person in police custody.

CLP budget backflip on Aboriginal rangers

The Northern Land Council congratulates Albanese Government on historic election victory

The NLC congratulates Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on their return to Federal Government, and looks forward to working with the Albanese government on progressing the National Agreements on Closing the Gap and listening to First Nations voices.

Caring for Country Strategic Plan 2024 - 2029

Caring for Country Strategic plan for 2024 through to 2029.

Submission on the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

The Northern Land Council's Submission to the Northern Territory Government Minister For Lands, Planning and the Environment on the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Legislation Amendment Bill 2025.

Joint Media Release: Territory government strips water rights, puts conflict, corruption and chaos above certainty

Traditional owners are united in calling out the Territory government’s ill-conceived and rushed changes that move it ever closer to an anti-democratic regime pursuing development at any cost.

Sacred Sites Bill: NT Government ignored Traditional Owners

Northern Land Council Chair Matthew Ryan has denounced the NT Government’s proposed amendments to the Northern Territory Sacred Sites Act 1989, saying the changes prioritise development over the protection of the Territory’s most important cultural heritage assets.

Land Rights News: March 2025

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

Proposed housing reforms target Aboriginal Territorians

The Northern Land Council has condemned the NT Government’s proposed public housing reforms that unfairly target Aboriginal Territorians

Win for Gumatj in landmark native title compensation claim

Today’s High Court decision in the landmark native title compensation claim over the Gove Peninsula strengthens and respects the rights of native title holders in the Northern Territory to seek amends for historic acts. ﻿

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE: NT Land Councils call on NT Government to bin Territory Coordinator Bill

The Northern Territory’s four land councils have united in calling for the Territory Coordinator Bill to be dumped.

Territory Coordinator Bill - Submissions to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee

Territory Coordinator Bill - Submissions to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee

Northern Land Council welcomes food security pledge

The Northern Land Council (NLC) has welcomed news that food security in remote communities has been included on the Federal Election agenda.

Northern Land Council disappointed by NTG decision to abandon Territory Treaty

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is disappointed and incredibly frustrated that Treaty is off the agenda in the Northern Territory.

Senate Order Reporting Contracts Jan24/Dec24

Senate Order for Entity Contracts listing related to the period 1 January 2024 - 31 december 2024

Submission to Parliamentary Committee on Northern Australia - Inquiry into Energy, Food and Water Security

Submission to Parliamentary Committee on Northern Australia -

Inquiry into Energy, Food and Water Security.Inquiry into Energy, Food and Water Security.

NLC Submission on the Territory Coordinator Bill

Submission to the Northern Territory Government Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet on the Draft Territory Coordinator Bill

Disappointment on Mataranka Water Allocation Plan

The Northern Land Council has condemned the NT Government’s Mataranka Water Allocation Plan (WAP), which was formally declared this week despite objections by Traditional Owners.

Australia's oldest Aboriginal newspaper, telling stories from remote Aboriginal lands across the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory’s land councils have told the federal government the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act must ensure big projects are subjected to the most stringent water and climate impact tests.

Today’s High Court decision in the landmark native title compensation claim over the Gove Peninsula strengthens and respects the rights of native title holders in the Northern Territory to seek amends for historic acts.

The Northern Land Council (NLC) has facilitated the installation of two purpose-built marine buoys on the Finniss River to mark the closure line for the Delissaville/Wagait/Larrakia Aboriginal Land Trust (DWL ALT).

THE NLC HAS ESCALATED ITS CALLS TO TOUGHEN UP ON ILLEGAL FOREIGN FISHING VESSELS THIS WEEK WITH PROOF THE BOATS ARE ALSO BEING USED FOR PEOPLE SMUGGLING.