This week Susan Tilley raised concerns with our State politicians regarding proposed amendments to the APY Land Rights Act.  Here is a copy of our correspondence with a link to the Paper Tracker website.

Good afternoon

 I write regarding the proposed amendments to the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land Rights Act 1981.

 The Anangu Lands Paper Tracker Project of Uniting Communities has considered the two versions of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land Rights (Miscellaneous) Bill of 2015 and 2016.

There are significant differences across the two Bills. It is understood that 22 consultation and feedback sessions were held regarding the 2015 draft Bill. However, the Bill that was introduced into the Legislative Council on 22nd June is significantly different to the version that formed the basis of discussions during the consultation process. It appears that the version introduced into the Legislative Council has not been the subject of discussion with APY communities and Traditional Owners.

 The Anangu Lands Paper Tracker has analysed the differences between the two versions of the draft legislation and has documented concerns and queries regarding the differences and the amendments to the Act of 1981. This analysis is attached for your information and consideration.

 The Paper Tracker requests that the differences in the two versions of the draft legislation and the process that was followed for consulting on the amendments to the 1981 Act are given your serious consideration during the deliberations regarding the amendments to this important Act that impacts on Anangu Tjuta living across the APY Lands.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of these issues.

Kind regards

Susan Tilley – Manager Aboriginal Policy and Advocacy

Community Engagement Unit –  Uniting Communities