‘Shade’ money must end
“ROYALTIES” paid to Aboriginal Territorians for land leased under the Land Rights Act must end, with the cash redirected to “a clan group’s corporate entity”, according to a Darwin lawyer with ties to remote communities.
In an opinion piece published in the Sunday Territorian, Dominic McCormack, who grew up in Wadeye, argues the “money for nothing or ‘shade’ money” has led to a “culture of irresponsibility”.
“Rather than gain employment, many simply exist for their next royalty payment,” Mr McCormack writes.
“I have watched people running down streets chasing Land Council troop carriers so they do not miss the royalty meeting. This has become an all-consuming ritual of remote life, creating a culture of irresponsibility and reliance on others.”
He says the money should be used for developing “education, training, business and investment opportunities, truly benefiting those on the land”.