Native title under attack in WA

By Sean Martin-Iverson

PERTH -- The WA government is hastily preparing new native title legislation. Only three weeks has been allowed for public discussion of the draft legislation.

The state legislation flows from the federal Native Title (Amendment) Act (Howard's 10-point plan), which established a framework by which the states can erode land rights.

The proposed WA legislation will result in extinguishment of native title and gives government ministers the power to overrule the Native Title Commission. This will allow the Richard Court Liberal government to more easily push through land developments over the objections of traditional owners.

Aboriginal and social justice groups have expressed outrage at the legislation and the rush to get it passed. The Anglican Social Responsibilities Commission pointed out that, “the possibility of proper scrutiny of these bills in such a short time by those who will be most affected by it is extremely remote”.

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