The Wire

The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment Bill has been sped through parliament and the senate with many amendments lacking basic community consultations with the traditional owners in the Territory. The Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation (ANTaR) have criticised the inadequate and hasty senate hearings, saying those affected by the amendments could lose control over their community lands. Democrats Senator Andrew Bartlett also says the amendments reflect the Federal government’s desire to have more control over the process.