NSWALC has reportedly threatened to leave key government partnership tables, prompting Aboriginal people across the state to ask whether anyone had checked whose Country the tables were sitting on.
The organisation is considering withdrawing from shared decision-making forums over a controversial Crown land bill it says weakens land rights. The NSW Government, meanwhile, has reassured everyone it remains committed to partnership, a word that in government language means “please stay seated while we finish this amendment”.
“Leaving the table sends a strong message” said one fictional policy observer. “Although, to be fair, a lot of mob never got a chair, a speaking spot or petrol money to reach the table in the first place.”
Community members said they understood NSWALC’s anger… but questioned whether peak-body warfare was the same thing as grassroots self-determination.
“Every few years someone says they’re speaking for us” said one river community auntie. “Government speaks for us, Land Council speaks for us, consultants speak for us… and then everyone forgets to speak to us. Meanwhile our land claim is old enough to have superannuation.”
The government said future consultation would be broader and more inclusive, beginning with a new working group to identify which Aboriginal people can safely be called broader and inclusive.
The table remains under review.
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