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PRIME MINISTER109
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING MP
THE POLITICAL CYNICISM OF MR COURT
Last year, the. Federal Parliament passed the historic
_ Native Title Act. The legislation is sound, workable, and
balanced., it provides justice f or indigenous Australians following
the High Court Mabo decision. it provides certainty for
Investors and land managers, and protection for existing
title holders.
it provides a national system, dealing in a fair and
reasonable way with a national issue.
The action of Richard Court in challenging this national
legislation has all the hallmarks of political high
cynicism and parochial mischief. He is apparently still
putting what he thinks are his political advantages and
" States' rights" interests ahead of the national
interest, when western Australians enjoy the benefits of
Commonwealth legislation as Australians.
As Premier of Western Australia, Mr Court has a
responsibility to participate in a national syctom to
deal with this national issue in a manner that is
sensible and just. That is what the Commonwealth
legislation does.
The Commonwealth Government is currently holding
constructive discussions with other States in regard to
cost-sharing and implementation of the national system to
identify and grant native title rights. The way remains
open for M4r Court to change his attitude and participate
in these discussions.
CANBERRA FEBRUARY 17, 1994
Keating, Paul
Period of Service: 20/12/1991 - 11/03/1996
Find more information on Keating, Paul on the:
Release Date:
17/02/1994
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
9124
Document:
00009124.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Keating, Paul John
STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER THE HON P J KEATING MP
9124