Zed Seselja (ACT, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

The government does not support the amendments on sheet 1449 as they are unnecessary. The corporations funding process is consistent with the funding of the NT land councils and ensures the ABA balance remains sufficient to fund its other obligations, including distributions to traditional owners. The bill already enables the board to appoint Aboriginal people who are not landholders to the independent and land council positions and is focused on bringing specific skills and expertise to the board. A seven-year statutory review allows time for the corporation to be reviewed against a full strategic investment plan period. Ongoing review and evaluation is a more efficient mechanism to review the impact of the other amendments in the bill. Traditional owners will retain the right of free, prior and informed group consent, including their right to veto any mining and exploration on Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory.