Ian Macdonald (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Attorney, can I just clarify this? I think you have said it twice, but from the way this debate is proceeding I perhaps am not sure of my hearing. Is it a fact that the Cape York Land Council, who I know to be to be made up of very responsible and intelligent people, have looked into this very carefully—looked into it with the best interests of not only clan groups from Cape York but all those affected by native title legislation? They have looked into this very carefully. They have asked for this particular amendment—I am sure you have said that three times already. The debate is being dragged out for reasons that I do not understand and there seems to be questioning of the ability or the authority of the Cape York Land Council to deal with this amendment and to make the request or to consult with you on the amendment.

What might have happened in years gone by is, I am sure, interesting for the history books. I am sure if it were relevant to this amendment then those at the Cape York Land Council and, indeed, those at the Native Title Council would have all fully considered this. They obviously do not think this interesting sojourn into past history is of any relevance to matters today, to matters relating to this bill, and to the interests of Indigenous people right around Australia, because I am sure if they thought these were relevant, if they thought it were necessary for this parliament to go into past history, then they would have raised that with you. I am assuming that they have not, but I seek your confirmation again that this is an amendment that the Cape York Land Council—intelligent, capable people themselves—have asked for and are desirous of seeing passed through this parliament at the earliest possible time.