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Victorian
Land Justice Issues
Following the High Court decision against the Yorta Yorta native
title claim, the opportunities for Indigenous claimant groups in
Victoria to achieve successful outcomes through the formal court
processes appear to be very limited.
Native Title is available only to Indigenous claimant groups who
can demonstrate a ‘continuous connection’ to their traditional
lands. Most Aboriginal people in Victoria were dispossessed of their
lands long ago and are unlikely to benefit from the Native Title
legislation.
However, the Victorian Government has indicated a willingness to
explore ‘negotiated settlements’ (i.e. non-litigated
agreements) with communities.
In these circumstances, Native Title Services Victoria (NTSV), has
prepared a discussion paper which proposes a way forward. The paper
proposes a comprehensive strategy for resolution of land grievances.
It canvasses issues such as:
- Identification and transfer of parcels of Crown land to traditional
owners,
- Co-management of national parks,
- Recognition of Aboriginal hunting and fishing rights, and
- Compensation
The ANTaR Vic Committee of Management has recently endorsed this
paper.
Click
here to download the NTSV Discussion Paper
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