Focus on traditional owners

AN inquiry into the economic independence of traditional land owners has started.

The Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia will run the investigation into the Opportunities and Challenges of the Engagement of Traditional Owners in the Economic Development of Northern Australia.

A significant proportion of Northern Australia is subject to native title claim or determination. The Committee’s 2014 report, Pivot North: Inquiry into the Development of Northern Australia, identified current land tenure arrangements and native title processes as a barrier to economic and social development of Northern Australia.

Committee chairman Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said “enabling traditional owners to pursue economic development opportunities on their land will support sustainable economic growth in Northern Australia, and create muchneeded employment opportunities in remote areas”.

Submissions are invited by February 28, 2019. The preferred method of receiving submissions is lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information about the committee’s inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on how to lodge a submission are available at www.aph.gov.au