There was an upbeat mood at today’s annual general meeting of the GLSC, with optimism from CEO Brian Wyatt that the Esperance Nyungar native title claim may reach a settlement by agreement in the near future.  Strong evidence for the claim, demonstrating the strength of the people’s traditional connection, has been put to the State government for consideration under its settlement guidelines. A response from the State on the Esperance claim is expected before year’s end.

Confidence was also expressed regarding the prospects of the Ngadju claim near Norseman, which is currently being assessed by the State Office of Native Title.

“Each claim is well positioned for settlement, as a result of many years of research, legal advice and constructive negotiations with the State government and other stakeholders,” said CEO Brian Wyatt.  

During the past year the GLSC Board of Directors restructured its approach to native title. This has been outlined in the new GLSC Native Title Claims Strategy. In part, the strategy has responded to the change of both State and Federal governments over the past two years and the new policy directions that have emerged for native title.  

Both the Esperance Nyungar claim and the Ngadju claim have been afforded high priority status under the Claim Strategy.  

“We believe that the time is now right for the negotiations with these claims to be brought to a conclusion and to put in place an agreement that all parties can commit to.  

“Effort can then go into pursuing practical economic, social and cultural initiatives that will benefit not only the respective indigenous people from these claims, but also the whole communities of both the Norseman and Esperance regions,” Mr Wyatt said.  

The meeting was also advised that this would be the last GLSC AGM for Mr Wyatt. The CEO of more than 10 years is considering taking up a position as head of the National Native Title Council (NNTC) of which he is currently the elected chair.  

The NNTC – the representative body for native title representative bodies and service providers across the country – is considering creating the position of fulltime CEO, to match the increasing role the group is playing in national indigenous affairs.

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