Doubt surrounds Brough’s new Indigenous Affairs deal
Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough this week proposed a $130 million intervention package for Aboriginal communities. But it’s conditional on the removal of customary law for sentencing consideration by states and territories. The Aboriginal Justice Advocacy Committee’s Alf Bamblett comments on the public’s mixed response. President of the Australian Law Council, Tim Bugg, says courts should take into account all aspects of a case, including customary considerations. Michael Anderson, Spokesperson for the Euahlayi and Gumilaroi nations in northwest NSW, says it’s all a part of Aboriginal culture being assaulted. Meanwhile, the National Aboriginal and Islander Observance Committee has presented Queensland’s Murri Court with an Award of Excellence.