In a recent statement, Senator Malcolm Roberts expressed his support for Senator Hanson’s motion for an inquiry into Native Title. The concerns raised by many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders is that under Native Title, the land is effectively locked up and unable to benefit the community. In fact, approximately half of Australia’s landmass is held under Native Title and managed by the government. This has garnered international attention, with the United Nations showing a keen interest in the issue.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander industry, composed of lawyers, consultants, activists, academics, politicians, and bureaucrats, claims to be working towards “closing the gap” in living standards between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. However, a fundamental flaw in the system is that those involved in the industry are actually living off the funds allocated for Indigenous communities. This perpetuates a cycle of dependency and prevents the money from reaching those who truly need it.
Year after year, billions of taxpayer dollars are poured into addressing this issue, only to be syphoned off by the very individuals who purport to be helping. This situation mirrors the mismanagement of aid funds in African nations during famines, where aid often failed to reach those who needed it most due to the greed of government bureaucrats. Australia is now experiencing a similar problem, and the pressure to increase funding only serves to exacerbate the issue. What is truly needed is a solution to the problem of land being locked up under Native Title, with the inclusion of a sunset clause within the Native Title act. Furthermore, increased accountability within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander industry is crucial to ensure that funds reach the intended recipients.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities themselves are yearning for autonomy and accountability. However, their desires are being undermined by individuals, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, who profit from the industry in urban areas. It is time to bridge the gap once and for all and address the root causes of this issue. An inquiry into Native Title is necessary to bring about much-needed change and address the challenges faced by Indigenous communities.
In closing, Senator Roberts stresses the urgency of this matter and emphasizes the importance of the proposed inquiry. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and take tangible steps towards closing the gap and improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The video embedded in the article further highlights the need for action and the potential outcomes that can be achieved through a comprehensive inquiry into Native Title.
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