The Australian Greens remain in 'no doubt' about the importance of native title reforms following a Senate Inquiry into the Native Title Amendment (Reform) Bill 2011.
"The existing native title system is not living up to its intended purpose and our bill seeks to rectify that," Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Issues said today.
"The Bill addresses the serious and unnecessary barriers faced by traditional owners in making native title claims. It makes moderate reforms that have been well canvassed, both over the last few years and during this inquiry process.
"Evidence to the inquiry suggests that if the intentions of the bill were implemented, a greater degree of fairness would be introduced into the native title system.
"Support for these reforms has come from native title representative bodies, Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation, Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, the Law Council, and the Human Rights Commission.
"As a result of this Inquiry, we will revisit the drafting of certain clauses of the Bill and will continue efforts to improve the operation of this important legislation.
"I am concerned that comments and findings in the Majority Report are simply an excuse for not acting to deliver some beneficial outcomes for native title claimants.
"The Majority Report favours a 'holistic approach' to native title reform, but to date, no government has shown a willingness to engage in such an approach. The holistic option is at odds with the fact the Government is itself considering targeted amendments.
"We will continue to work on this important issue, and on the verge of the 20th anniversary of the Mabo decision, the Australian Greens urge the Parliament to not let this opportunity pass," Senator Siewert concluded.
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