David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Justice and Customs) Share this | Hansard source

Very briefly, I have answered most of the questions raised by the Democrat amendments. If amendment (24) were to proceed, it would remove the requirement that the registered native title claimants be required to consent to a determination under proposed new section 87(A). Removing the ability for claimants in registered overlapping claims to participate in a determination would have a significant impact upon their rights. From a government’s perspective that would be completely and entirely counterproductive. The provisions that we have inaugurated provide that all parties claiming to hold native title in an area must consent to a determination of native title under the provisions, which protects their rights.

Democrat amendment (29) would affect the ability of the provision it refers to, which is designed to enable parties without relevant interests to no longer be involved in native title matters in appropriate circumstances. With respect to Democrat amendments (19) and (25), I refer to what I said with respect to opposition amendments (17) and (20). We oppose amendments (21), (27) and (28) and I refer to what was said with respect to opposition amendments (18), (19) and (24). We oppose Democrat amendments (22) and (30). With respect to (30) I refer to what was said with respect to opposition amendment (19). There is nothing more I can say. Most of the issues raised by the learned senator have been dealt with.