Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

(1) That the Senate:

(a) acknowledges the historic agreement between First Nations people, the Gumatj, and Equatorial Launch Australia (ELA) which has secured land in North East Arnhem Land to establish Australia's first commercial space centre;

(b) commends the Northern Territory Government, the Gumatj, ELA and Developing East Arnhem Limited on their partnership for including the world's oldest culture in the creation of the newest technologies; and

  (c) congratulates the work of the Gumatj clan and the Northern Land Council for securing a 99 year head lease for the township of Gunyangara, and the future economic opportunity and security this represents.

(2) That governments across Australia continue to work with First Nations people for the betterment of their communities and the nation as a whole.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Scott Ryan (President, Special Minister of State) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition government supports the development of northern Australia and the economic empowerment of Indigenous communities. We support these developments in North East Arnhem Land. The coalition government worked with the community to negotiate this township lease. A community-held township lease was first proposed in 2007, but no action was taken until this government was elected. The government looks forward to continuing to work with Indigenous Australians to support economic opportunities and land tenure reform.

Question agreed to.