A human rights organisation is concerned that mob in the Northern Territory are unaware of proposed reforms to the NT Land Rights Act which is currently being looked at by a Senate inquiry.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt has introduced comprehensive reforms to the act which he says will allow Traditional Owners in the NT maximise their economic future.
At the centre of the reforms will be the establishment of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Investment Corporation which will use funds from the Aboriginal Benefits Account for economic investment.
In a media statement from the Northern Land Council in August, Acting CEO Mr Joe Martin-Jard said the reforms embed changes that put Traditional Owners in the box seat in managing their own communities.
While the reforms come from a partnership between the Territory’s land councils and the Federal Government, human rights organisation Concerned Australians is worried many on the ground are unaware.
Emeritus Professor Jon Altman from the Australian National University is working with Concerned Australians.
He says for such comprehensive and important changes, things have moved fast since it was introduced to Parliament.
Submissions to the Senate Inquiry close on Friday and a report is due on November 25.
