The Goldfields Land and Sea Council (GLSC) welcomes the move by the Barnett Liberal-National Government in withdrawing the appeal against the recognition of native title in and around Broome.  

“This is a positive outcome for the Yawuru people and they deserve to finally get recognition for their country,” said GLSC Chief Executive Officer Brian Wyatt.  

“The State Government is to be congratulated for ending the uncertainty for the traditional owners. This is the second time since the new government came to power that we have seen a positive and just response in favour of Aboriginal people to their native title rights.  

“It is certainly a welcome change from the eight years of the previous WA Labor government”, said Mr Wyatt.  

“The Labor party showed they had a mean spirit when it came to native title and they denied a lot of Aboriginal people due recognition as traditional owners of their country.  The Liberal-National Government is showing much better social credentials.  

“The Labor party had many chances to provide a fair, negotiated outcome for traditional owners throughout Western Australia, but they failed miserably.  They were a disgrace.  

“The GLSC and the many native title applicants in the Kalgoorlie-Esperance area look forward to working with the Barnett Government towards the just settlement of the native title claims in their region”, said Mr Wyatt.

Media Contact:  Brian Wyatt 0417 970413;   David Berry (08) 9263 8715, 0417 963089   This & other GLSC media statements available at http://www.glc.com.au