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Government delivers on Mabo for farm sector
Download PDF 22 December 1993 NR 138/93
GOVERNMENT DELIVERS ON MABO FOR FARM SECTOR
The National Farmers' Federation says the Government's Native Title legislation satisfies the core concerns of the farm sector.
This follows a Democrat amendment to the Bill which ensures automatic renewal or re-grant of valid pastoral, agricultural, commercial and residential leases, without any requirement to negotiate with native title holders.
The Democrat amendment was supported in the Senate late last night by the Government and the Greens, and carried.
NFF's Executive Director, Mr Rick Farley, said last night's amendment had the same effect as the amendment lost at midnight on Saturday, except that it did not cover renewal of mining leases.
"It would have been better if the original amendment to Clause 24 had been carried," Mr Farley said.
"The mining industry also requires certainty of lease renewals.
"But there now will be certainty in this respect for the farm sector and other industries .
"The Democrat amendment improves the legislation and has our support for that reason."
Mr Farley said another key farm sector amendment also had been successful.
This amendment (to Clause 208(3) and (4)) meant statutory reservations of native interest in pastoral leases would not automatically be converted to native title rights (statutory reservations exist in SA, W A and the NT).
"The Government has delivered on its central commitments to the farm sector," . Mr Farley said.
"Our legal advisers now are examining the detail of over 100 amendments to the original Bill.
"We want to check the fine print.
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"Some fine tuning of the legislation will be required when Parliament resumes next year."
Mr Farley thanked Democrat leader, Senator Kernot, and Aboriginal negotiators for their constructive approach to the farm sector's concerns.
"The legislation is a big first step towards reconciliation between Aboriginal and other Australians.
"NFF has proved it is possible to achieve a negotiated outcome to tremendously complex issues.
"Our objective always has been to seek a balanced, national approach to native title, and security of tenure for landholders.
"That has been achieved in our major areas of concern.
"Farmers no longer can be regarded as 'red necks' in national debate."
However, Mr Farley said there were major challenges ahead in implementing the legislation, and some High Court test cases were likely.
He paid tribute to the National Party, after three National Party Senators crossed the floor in support of amendments to the Bill.
"The credibility of the National Party has soared, while the credibility of the Liberal Party has suffered.
"It will take farmers a long time to forget the sight of the Liberal Party voting with the Greens and the Democrats to defeat amendments supported by industry."
For further information:
Rick Farley (06) 273 3855 (bh) (06) 295 1655 (ah)
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