The Wire

The Northern Territory Aboriginal Land Rights Act of 1976 was the result of many years of struggle and campaigning. This Act recognises Indigenous rights to land, and sets up processes to win back land (through Land Councils) and manage its resources. A key feature was acknowledgement of collective ownership. But on Thursday the House of Representatives debates changes to private land ownership, which the Federal Government claims are the basis of a 30 year blueprint to advance Indigenous communities. Labor’s Indigenous Affairs Minister Chris Evans says he cannot support the Amendment Bill as it doesn’t truly protect traditional owners rights.