Senator LUDWIG (Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) (10:16 AM) —I seek leave to make a short statement in respect of motion No. 55.

The PRESIDENT —Leave is granted for two minutes.

Senator LUDWIG —The Premier of Western Australia, in initiating action to compulsorily acquire land at James Price Point, is taking that action in accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Native Title Act. On that basis we do not support the motion as has clearly been exercised. To exercise a right granted by and strictly in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth, the appropriate course of action should be for an amendment or a private member’s bill to allow it to be properly considered by parliament if that was the wish of the Senate. The government opposes the motion but remains committed to discussions continuing between the Kimberley Land Council, Woodside and the WA government to negotiate an Indigenous land use agreement. The Minister for Resources and Energy has advised me that a negotiated outcome also remains the preferred option of all the parties. I thank the Senate.