Hon Norman Moore questions the Deputy Premier regarding the complexity of the Native Title Act and calls for a review. The Deputy Premier defends the government's native title settlement record and suggests Moore address concerns about the 1998 reforms with his federal colleagues.

AnsweredQoN 227Legislative Council
Asked
17 October 2002
Portfolio
Deputy Premier

QuestionView source ↗

I refer the Deputy Premier to his press release dated September 27 in which he states, and I quote, ‘
The Commonwealth Native Title Act
is a 400 page obstacle course.’
(1) In light of the Deputy Premier’s recognition of the reality that the
Native Title Act
has made resolution of native title issues a very complex, expensive and drawn out process, will he give substance to his words and call on the Commonwealth Parliament to review the Act, taking into account the failure of the 1998 reforms to deliver any notable improvement and subsequent Court decisions which have raised even more legal uncertainty?
(2) If not, why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
12 November 2002
Responded by
Minister for Housing and Works representing the Deputy Premier
Response time
26 days
Notwithstanding the difficulties and complexities which exist in the native title process, the Gallop Government has settled four native title applications by agreement in its first 18 months of office - including the Martu determination, the largest native title settlement in Australia. Only two native title applications were settled by the previous Government, in its 7 years of working with native title. The accomplishment of the Gallop Government proves that with dedication and commitment results are achievable. (2) If Mr Moore feels that the 1998 reforms don't deliver any notable improvement then it is a matter that he should take up with his colleagues in the Commonwealth Government.
(2) If Mr Moore feels that the 1998 reforms don't deliver any notable improvement then it is a matter that he should take up with his colleagues in the Commonwealth Government.

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