PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER 111/ 93
STATEMENT BV THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HION P J KEATJNG, MP
MABO NEGOTIATIONS
I have spent most of today with Aboriginal Land Council and ATSIC representatives
over the Mabo issue.
The talks have been positive and constructive from both sides.
Encouraging progress was made the original 20 or more outstanding issues between
the Commonwealth and Aboriginal representatives have now been narrowed to three
or four.
While there has been progress, I remain concerned that two or three of the outstanding
matters are currently incompatible with elements of the position now emerging in the
useful discussions with the States.
On these points the Aboriginal leaders have undertaken to provide a detailed written
response as soon as possible.
-As I said yesterday, it is the Government's intention to seek passage of the
Commonwealth legislation before Christmas this year and to introduce the Bill this
month. Given the progress made ovcr the past 48 hours it is worth exploring every avenue of
potential settlement on these outstanding points rather than bring the negotiations to a
premature halt.
The Cabinet also met this evening and agreed on a number of details arising from
discussions between State and Commonwealth officials today.
I think it is important to note that some Aboriginal leaders who have tonight made
statements about the Commonwealth's position were not in any of the meetings over
the past 48 hours, and have not accurately reflected the const~ ructive approach of the
Commonwealth, nor the significant progress made.
CANBE'RRA 7 October, 1993 TEL 8. Oct. 93 8: 12 No. 005 P. 01/ 01