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PRIME MINISTER 178/
STATEMENT BY THE PR[ ME MINISTER, THE HON P. J. ] KEATINGj XIP
REPORT OF THE MIN~ ING COMM1TIEE OF THE COUNCIL FOR
ABORIGINAL RECONCILIATION
I welcome the report, Exploring for Common Ground, presented to me today by the
Mining Committee of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation.
In February last year, I invited the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation to appoint a
committee to seek improvements in consultations, mediation arnd the resolution of
disputes between mining firms and Aboriginal people.
Across much of the mining industry, an intelligent awareness of Aboriginal cultures has
developed, and Aboriginal people have increasingly shown that they are prepared to
assist the industry in developing the resources in which all of us, as Australians, have
an interest.
It has been assumed by many people and still is, in far too many cases that the
interests of indigenous people and mining companies must conflict.
Where there is recognition and respect for the rights of others, their interests can coexist
to the benefit of all concerned.
Examples such as the agreement between North Flinders Mines and Sons of Gwalia on
the one hand and the Central Land Council on the other in regard to gold midning in the
Tanami Desert, and the more recent agreements on the Mt Todd mine demonstrate
that a wiingness on both sides to negotiate can result in mutually beneficial
arrangements. This report challenges some of the assumptions which remain about the relationships
between miners and Aboriginal people, identifying common ground as well as
remaining areas ordifference.
Some of its recomrmend at ions, such as ways of improving communications between the
parties and negotiating access to land, are directed to companies and to organisations
which represent Aboriginal communitics. I hope both will consider the
recommendations and act upon themn.
Other recommendations, touching on Aboriginal education, employment and heritage
protection, will be considered by the Commonwealth Government as soon as possible.
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I thank the Chairman of the Committee, Mr Robert Champion do Crespigny, and the
committee members Mr Archie Barton, Ms Jennie George and Mr Wenten Rubwita
for their efforts and congratulate the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and the
greater part of the mining industry on the way they have approached this important
aspect of reconcilation.
I amr also pleased to announce today that the Government will be offering a public
award to a company operating in the mining or resources area in Australia which best
demonstrates a commitment to constructively addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander issues.
This will be a non-cash award, offered this year and open to companies which
nominate themselves or which are nominated by Aboriginal cocimunity groups.
The proposed Joint Council on Aboriginal Land and Mining would be a most
appropriate body to co-ordinate this award.
I believe this award will reinforce the impact of the report I have received today by
focussing attention on the many positive elements of the relationship between
Aboriginal people and mining companies which the report identifies.
CANBERRA, JULY 1, 1993