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Central Land Council

CLC Press Releases

18 December 2008
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27 October 2008
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15 October 2008
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31 July 2008 2008
Fairfax news in bad taste  ›› more
24 July 2008 2008
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17 July 2008 2008
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11 July 2008 2008
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30 May 2008
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27 May 2008
Angela Pamela Negotiations  ›› more
9 May 2008
Angela Pamela and the native title process  ›› more
18 February 2008
Coalition should support permit system  ›› more
15 February 2008
Politicians threaten to derail fresh start  ›› more
22 January 2008
Police ignorance upsets Lajamanu community  ›› more
26 November 2007
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21 November 2007
Concerns over Central Petroleum tactics  ›› more
 
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Politicians threaten to derail a fresh start

The Central Land Council said today that it fully supports a bipartisan approach to Aboriginal affairs but fears the process is already being hijacked.

CLC Director David Ross has urged politicians to maintain the spirit of good will in which the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd made his apology and his subsequent commitments.

“It's extremely disappointing that controversy has already overshadowed the process before it's begun,” Mr Ross said.

“It's important that the possibility of a new way forward is untainted by the mean spirited aspects of the last Government's policy.

“Asking for Mal Brough's inclusion is just provocative and puts the entire process in jeopardy,” he said.

“Brough's approach was punitive, autocratic and arrogant. He deliberately excluded the people who were most affected by his changes and he completely ignored any evidence which didn't support his views. There is no place for him on any committee.

“Furthermore he is no longer a member of parliament.

“We urge Brendan Nelson and all other politicians to put aside pathetic political squabbling and enter the process with a fresh and generous spirit,” Mr Ross said.

Contact: Jane Hodson 0417877579

15 February 2008