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PRIME MINISTER WIK
At my meeting yesterday with Mr Fischer, Mr Anderson and National
Party Federal President Don McDonald, during which aspects of my ten
point plan were discussed, Mr McDonald and Mr Fischer proposed some
wording changes.
These changes, which made no difference to the substance of the plan,
included confirmation that a pastoral lease, clearly stated to confer
exclusive possession, would extinguish native title. This reflects the
common law as expressed by the High Court in the Wik decision.
At no stage did I agree, or would I agree, to changes which would allow
avenues of extinguishment of native title beyond those already stated in the
ten point plan.
It would appear that Mr McDonald's reference in the penultimate
paragraph of his press release today is to the procedure whereby native
title can be compulsorily acquired by the states, subject to fair procedures
and proper compensation.
The current Native Title Act already allows for the compulsory acquisition
of native title by state governments.
Whilst the Government will continue to welcome input from both the
Liberal and National Party organisations, a finn Cabinet position has been
determined. Legislation will be established to give effect to that decision.
7 May 1997 08/ BS/ 97 08: 30 P9: I
Howard, John
Period of Service: 11/03/1996 - 03/12/2007
Find more information on Howard, John on the:
Release Date:
07/05/1997
Release Type:
Media Release
Transcript ID:
10332
Document:
00010332.pdf
1 Page(s)
Released by:
- Howard, John Winston
WIK
10332