The Federal Court this week agreed to a request by the Ngadju native title claim group for ‘early’ evidence to be given by several Ngadju witnesses in June 2009.

Justice Marshall agreed on Tuesday to come to the Ngadju claim area to hear the evidence ‘on country’. The Ngadju claim area includes Norseman, Balladonia and Israelite Bay.

The main purpose of the hearing is to record the evidence of Ngadju witnesses who are elderly or frail but the judge has also agreed to hear evidence from a small number of younger witnesses.  

Goldfields Land and Sea Council CEO Brian Wyatt said he is pleased that the court has agreed to get out on country so that people can give evidence in the most culturally appropriate way.  

“It is important for Ngadju people to be able to show the judge their country first hand, and not have to talk about it out of context,” Mr Wyatt said.  

“The Ngadju have a strong connection to their country and the GLSC is working hard to make sure the court and the respondent parties understand that.  

“The GLSC and the Ngadju sincerely hope that the evidence in June next year will provide an impetus to a negotiated settlement of the claim, rather than leaving it up to the court to decide.  

“The Ngadju people have occupied their country for countless generations, maintaining their culture despite many difficulties.  They have also played a very important role in the development of the pastoral industry on their traditional country.  

“The recognition of their native title rights is an important step that needs to be taken in the interests of the community as a whole,” Mr Wyatt said.

Media contact: Brian Wyatt 0417 970413; David Berry 0417 963089