Indigenous vote crucial in Land Council poll

The Council aims to protect the interests and further the aspirations of its members and the broader Aboriginal community. It has been in administration since November 2003 and has been restructured with nine regions instead of thirteen. Land Council members will vote for a Councillor to represent their region.

Aboriginal people who are not members of a Local Aboriginal Land Council must join in order to vote. All Aboriginal people of voting age in NSW can join. Electoral rolls for the NSWALC election close on 6 March 2007.

Pastor Ray Minniecon, the director of Crossroads Aboriginal Ministries in Redfern, said, “It’s important for our people to have a say in Aboriginal affairs since the abolition of ATSIC (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission) in 2005. The Land Council election is the only avenue for the community to have a voice.”

As with votes in general, have your say with care. Warren Mundine, the former National President of the ALP said, “Before people vote, it’s important for people to know who they are voting for, and to choose people who will work for the whole community, not just a small group.”

Redfern resident Lyall Munro, a respected community leader and Aboriginal activist for over 30 years may become a candidate. “I’m still thinking about standing for election onto the Land Council,” Mr Munroe told the South Sydney Herald. “I must say the State legislation makes land rights more accessible than under Mabo. It’s far from perfect bit it’s the least worse of two evils.”

Source: South Sydney Herald March 2007