Nigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Minister for Indigenous Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

It was the Howard coalition government that introduced township leasing reforms, delivered the township lease at Wurrumiyanga in 2007 and laid the foundation for the township leases on Groote Eylandt.

Sadly, under the former Labor government, township leasing was obviously not considered a priority and progress stalled. Labor stated they supported the policy, but in terms of the outcomes they clearly dropped the ball on any negotiations. Traditional owners in communities like Gunbalanya and Pirlangimpi were waiting on the former government to come out and talk to them about land rights and leasing, and it simply never happened.

I would like to also at this stage acknowledge the work of the Queensland government and Premier Newman on the introduction of freehold reforms in Aboriginal communities. They are to be commended. These reforms build on other reforms like the Doggett reforms, introduced by Mr Katter.

Governments across Australia must ensure that land rights support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and this Commonwealth government is committed to do that job. (Time expired)