23 April 2008
SINGLE NOONGAR DECISION
Attorney-General Robert McClelland today acknowledged the Full Federal Court’s ruling overturning Justice Wilcox's decision in the Single Noongar native title application that native title is capable of existing in the Perth area.
The Full Federal Court found that Justice Wilcox had failed to take into account certain matters required to be considered under the Native Title Act and remitted the case to a single judge of the Federal Court for further hearing.
Mr McClelland said, “The Government will give careful consideration to the detail of the decision, including the opportunities it might present for further negotiation, before responding. I have made clear the Government’s preference, wherever possible, for resolving these issues through negotiation rather than litigation.”
Mr McClelland welcomed the commitment by the Western Australian Government that it would continue to recognise the Noongar people’s traditional association with the land and negotiate to resolve native title in the south-west region.
“I will be consulting with the Government of Western Australia in relation to this matter,” Mr McClelland said.
Media Contact: Adam Sims 0419 480 224