Central Land Council
in this section
CLC Press Releases
- 30 May 2008
- Seal the Mereenie Loop Road Now ›› more
- 27 May 2008
- Angela Pamela Negotiations ›› more
- 9 May 2008
- Angela Pamela and the native title process ›› more
- 18 February 2008
- Coalition should support permit system ›› more
- 15 February 2008
- Politicians threaten to derail fresh start ›› more
- 22 January 2008
- Police ignorance upsets Lajamanu community ›› more
- 26 November 2007
- Optimism for a fresh consensual approach on Aboriginal affairs ›› more
- 21 November 2007
- Concerns over Central Petroleum tactics ›› more
Politicians threaten to derail a fresh start
The Central Land Council said today that it fully supports a bipartisan approach to Aboriginal affairs but fears the process is already being hijacked.
CLC Director David Ross has urged politicians to maintain the spirit of good will in which the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made his apology and his subsequent commitments.
“It's extremely disappointing that controversy has already overshadowed the process before it's begun,” Mr Ross said.
“It's important that the possibility of a new way forward is untainted by the mean spirited aspects of the last Government's policy.
“Asking for Mal Brough's inclusion is just provocative and puts the entire process in jeopardy,” he said.
“Brough's approach was punitive, autocratic and arrogant. He deliberately excluded the people who were most affected by his changes and he completely ignored any evidence which didn't support his views. There is no place for him on any committee.
“Furthermore he is no longer a member of parliament.
“We urge Brendan Nelson and all other politicians to put aside pathetic political squabbling and enter the process with a fresh and generous spirit,” Mr Ross said.
Contact: Jane Hodson 0417877579
15 February 2008