Official recognition for what the people already knew

The Central Land Council has welcomed Aboriginal Land Commissioner Howard Olney’s recommendation that the Minister for Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin approve a land claim over an area on the northern edge of the Simpson Desert.

The Simpson Desert Land Claim Stage IV was over about 18,000 square kilometres of land, some of which was previously claimed during the Simpson Desert Land Claim Stage II.

Commissioner Olney heard evidence from traditional land owners in a variety of remote locations in the area last year. Some sites could only be reached by helicopter.

The Central Land Council represented the Eastern Arrernte claimants in the case.

CLC director David Ross said Commissioner Olney’s decision acknowledges what the traditional land owners already knew.

“The traditional land owners know this is their land, Commissioner Olney now recognises it is their land, all that is needed now is for Minister Macklin to sign off and make it official,” Mr Ross said.

“This is partly a repeat claim. So it is part of a claim that was first lodged in 1980. It is highly significant because it’s most likely to be the last claim to be heard under the Land Rights Act in the Central Australian region.

“The traditional land owners of this area had been concerned that they would miss out, but the evidence presented during this claim has convinced Commissioner Olney and they look forward to receiving official recognition of their title,” Mr Ross said.

“When Minister Macklin signs off on the claim then traditional land owners can look forward to developing economic activities such as tourism options that already exist on Aboriginal land in that region.”

Traditional land owners also told the hearing they wish to protect culturally and environmentally sensitive areas within the claim.

Although Commissioner Olney’s decision will bring joy to the claimants, it will also carry some sadness for them.

“Some traditional land owners haven’t seen this day,” Mr Ross said. “Including one old man, who despite illness, insisted on giving his evidence to the hearing, but unfortunately passed away before a decision was made.

“We congratulate all those people who persisted throughout the years.”