Senate debates

Thursday, 20 June 2013

Bills

Aboriginal Land Rights and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2013; Second Reading

1:54 pm

Photo of Nigel ScullionNigel Scullion (NT, Country Liberal Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | | Hansard source

I rise to make a contribution on the Aboriginal Land Rights and Other Legislation Amendment Bill of 2013. Whilst we support the bill, the Northern Territory government, the Northern Land Council and the local Aboriginal land trust support scheduling three pieces of land. ERA is anxious to avoid what would undoubtedly be a painful native title negotiation. I think it is of credit to all the parties that they acknowledge having a settlement in this way and having rescheduling under the act of the township of Jabiru, even though there has been some criticism from other parties. When you have the support of the party that owns the community, the native title holders, the traditional owners of country, the grida, we would, of course, support this legislation.

1:56 pm

Photo of Stephen ConroyStephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy) Share this | | Hansard source

I thank the senators for their contribution and commend the bill to the chamber.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.