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Backlash at Aboriginal mining loss | theage.com.au

Backlash at Aboriginal mining loss The Age * Russell Skelton * December 8, 2008 “……………….

Documents to be released today reveal that the system of devising and collecting royalties flowing from deals under the Native Title Act is shrouded in secrecy, lacks accountability and seldom creates jobs or lasting economic benefits.

An expert group advising the Rudd Government — drawn from mining industry, academia and indigenous bodies — has urged an overhaul in the way agreements are negotiated between the mining industry and indigenous organisations……………….60 per cent of mining operations are carried out next to indigenous communities, yet communities had missed out on the resources boom. “It is generally acknowledged that many indigenous Australians live on land rich in resources that create wealth for the nation and businesses but delivers little in respect to equitable wealth distribution and wealth generation,” it says………………..

Major flaws include:

■ Of the hundreds of agreements already struck between indigenous communities and industry, only 12 had provided substantial benefits to Aborigines.

■ Unnecessary confidentiality clauses had resulted in a lack of transparency and accountability. Little data was available on the structure and equitably of agreements.

■ A serious lack of expertise among native title representative bodies and traditional owners had created an unlevel playing field between mining companies and communities.

Backlash at Aboriginal mining loss | theage.com.au

Tags: aborigines

December 8, 2008 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Uncategorized