22nd March 2010
Indigenous experts from across northern Australia will convene
at Parliament House in Darwin on Wednesday, 24th March to deliver a
policy statement on water.
The policy statement has been developed by the North Australian
Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance (NAILSMA) through the
Indigenous
Water Policy Group (IWPG). This group was initiated in 2006 to
enhance Indigenous Water policy outcomes across state and territory
jurisdictions.
“The IWPG is the only construct in the north developing
polices in the interests of its members. The policy statement is a
clear declaration of the terms for which Indigenous people want to
be engaged”, says Joe Morrison, NAILSMA Chief Executive
Officer.
“We expect Australian Governments to be responsive to the
rights of Indigenous people, particularly for the terms of
commercial use and development of water”, he said.
Up to 80 people will be attending the policy launch that will be
pitched at commonwealth, state and territory Ministers. A special
ceremony will take place to signify the unity of Indigenous people
in standing together for water rights.
The policy position builds on the United Nations Declaration on
the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as well as other statements
relating to water reform, the
Garma International Indigenous Water Declaration and the
Mary River Statement.
“The IWPG support for the recognition of Indigenous Rights
to ownership, management and use of waters for commercial purposes
is a pragmatic approach toward current commonwealth and state
policies and reform agendas, including closing the gap”,
explains Mr Morrison.
“The policy statement offers tangible opportunities for
positive economic outcomes for Australia’s most disadvantage
people”, he said.
