18 September 2008
FIRST NATIVE TITLE CLAIM RESOLVED UNDER RUDD GOVERNMENT
Attorney-General Robert McClelland has today welcomed the Federal Court’s formal recognition of the Thalanyji peoples' native title rights in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
Justice Anthony North of the Federal Court formally recognised that the Thalanyji hold the right to fish, hunt, gather, camp, and conduct ceremonies over their traditional country. The parties were able to reach agreement on most issues raised by the claim.
The recognition of the Thalanyji Peoples’ native title is the first settlement since the election of the Rudd Government.
“I congratulate all parties on coming together and negotiating a positive result,” Mr McClelland said.
“The Rudd Government has made clear that it wants to see broader and more flexible approaches taken to resolve native title claims. The successful negotiation of the Thalanyji claim is a good example of this new, more positive approach,” Mr McClelland said.
“Native title is not only an important way of recognising Indigenous Australians’ connection with the land, but it can also be used to help close-the-gap.”
”The Rudd Government will take every opportunity to work with state governments, claimants and other parties to achieve practical settlements that benefit all concerned and ensure they do not get bogged down in costly litigation,” Mr McClelland said.
The 18,000 square kilometre claim is located on the coast between Exmouth and Karratha approximately 1300 km north of Perth. All parties to the claim, including the Australian, State and local Governments, mining and fishing interest, agreed to the settlement.
Media Contact: Adam Sims 0419 480 224
