PM Transcripts

PRIME MINISTER PRESS STATEMENT
7 May 1974
Aboriginal Land Rights Commission Second Report
The Prime Minister, Mr Whitlam, announced today that
the Government had accepted in principle the recommendations
contained in the Second Report of the Aboriginal Land Rights
Commission. The Report had been received by the Government following
its presentation to the Governor-General last Friday, 3 May, and
was now being released in accordance with the undertaking given by
the Prime Minister in his Policy Speech.
Following its re-election, the Government will arrange
discussions with Aboriginal Councils and communities in the Northern
Territory, with a view to early legislation.
Mr Whitlam paid tribute to the Commissioner, Mr Justice
A. E. Woodward, for the way in which he had conducted the Inquiry.
The Commissioner had enabled Aborigines to participate with an
effectiveness wholly new in Australian history. At the same time
widely ranging evidence was received on the issues affecting his
terms of reference. Mr Whitlam said that the Government strongly endorsed the
Judge's view that " tan imposed solution to the problem of recognising
traditional Aboriginal land rights is unlikely to be a good or
lasting solution", and would adopt the suggestion that the proposals
be taken as a basis for negotiation between the Aboriginal Representative
Councils and communities and the Government,
Mr Whitlam said the Government believed that the Report
provided a well balanced consideration of the claims and needs of
Aboriginal Australians in the Northern Territory while ensuring
respect for rights granted under previous Governments. Its
recommendations offer a-framework under which the legitimate claims
of Aborigines can be met'-and their deep affiliation with the
land acknowledged. It would therefore provide a basis for the
development of the Northern Territory which Australians can in
good conscience accept and defend,
The Government welcomed especially the Report's
recommendations relating to mining. They clearly justify the
Government's concern to enable Aborigines to protect their way
of life from the destructive effect of mining development.
In particular it endorses the Government's decision on
Queensland Mines proposals to mine uranium at N~ aalk
The Prime Minister said that the electorate was entitled to
know what attitude the Opposition would take to the recommendations
of the Report. He had made arrangements for copies of the Report
to be passed to Leaders of the Opposition Parties in the Parliament,
tb the Premiers and to Corporations referred to in the recommendations.