Dreaming of an equal chance
Natasha Robinson; 30/3/08
A slow but radical shift is occurring on Aboriginal township lands. Liberal economists hail it as the legislative tool that will finally allow indigenous people to believe in the great Australian dream; land-rights diehards warn it will be the end of native title at remote townships. More than a year after the Howard government changed the Land Rights Act to allow 99-year leases on Aboriginal township lands, leasing is emerging as the legislative tool that will allow governments to improve the parlous condition of infrastructure in remote communities and provide basic services to growing indigenous populations. It has not been an easy ride. Former indigenous affairs minister Mal Brough convinced only one community, Nguiu at Bathurst Island, to sign up to a 99-year township lease since introducing the legislation in 2006. Brough’s vision for remote Aboriginal towns - as vibrant, bustling hubs with bakeries and corner shops, where indigenous residents had the opportunity to buy their own homes - did not win over the communities.
See; http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23447593-28737,00.html
Tags: Aboriginal, Australia, Land Rights