The Greens have a long standing commitment to supporting Aboriginal people in their endeavours to access land under the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights 1983.
The Aboriginal Land Rights Act was established in recognition of the loss and dispossession of land. The Act is a compensatory regime which recognises that land is of spiritual, social, cultural and economic importance to Aboriginal people. In the process of claiming crown land there is a generally held respect for the rights of Aboriginal people to have their claims determined prior to any actions taken with regard to the future use of the land.
The Greens have and will always support conservation of our significant natural environment. In relation to Aboriginal land claims the Greens support the right of claims to be lodged and considered and will support the resolution of claims but also recognise the importance of working closely with claimants regarding the end use of significant environmental values.
I am aware from a recent public meeting that the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council have worked closely with the conservatists in the Tweed to enhance and preserve the important ecological values of the Tweed coast that we all love and want to protect. I am proud to offer support for the resolution of the land claim on Lot 490 by TBLALC and continue to advocate for the rights of Aboriginal people.
The Greens have dual responsibilities to protect and preserve the natural environment as well as respect and support the rights of Aboriginal people.
Jan Barham, Greens MLC
