The Territory Labor Government supports the development and diversification of the Territory’s economy and also recognises the rights of native title holders over their land, and how that land is managed. 

The NT Government proposed amendments to the Pastoral Land Act 1992 with the aim of providing procedural rights to native title holders when a Non-Pastoral Use Permit (NPU) is granted is in certain circumstances. 

As a Government, we have taken a broad policy position which aims to strike a fair balance between the existence of Native Title, and Pastoral Rights. 

Recently the NT Cattleman’s Association and Land Councils met for the first time to discuss the proposed amendments to the Pastoral Land Act, and were unfortunately unable to form a collaborative view about the objectives of the proposed amendments.

Notwithstanding our view of the importance of the policy, the Northern Territory Government has determined not to proceed with the proposed amendments to the Pastoral Land Act.  

We acknowledge that the Land Councils have been strong advocates for these changes and we encourage the continuation of meetings between the Land Councils and the NTCA so that the sustainable development and economic opportunity of the pastoral estate can be realised, for all Territorians.

Quotes attributed to the Minister for Environment and Natural Resources, Eva Lawler:

“The Territory Labor Government will continue to work cooperatively with the Land Councils to develop economic opportunities for the Northern Territory.

“We will continue to provide opportunities for Aboriginal Economic Development on their land such as the establishment of Strategic Aboriginal Water Reserves through a legislative basis in the Water Act.”

 

Background to Diversification on Pastoral Land

The Pastoral Land Act 1992 currently provides for the diversification of the pastoral estate via:

• The grant of a 30 year term Non-Pastoral Use Permit (NPU);
• The NPU being registerable on the title and transferable with sale; and
• The sublease of an NPU, where the NPU holder (or pastoralist) is able to sublease the diversification activity of the permit to a third party, which is registered on the title and transferable at sale. 

To enhance further diversification and provide security for increased economic development opportunities, this included a provision for a pastoralist to sublease a non-pastoral diversification activity to a third party, which would also be registered on the title, and transferable at sale.

The Northern Territory Government has held extensive discussions with the Northern and Central Land Councils and the Northern Territory Cattleman’s Association whilst the sub-leasing provisions have been re-instated further discussions need to continue regarding procedural rights for native title holders. As a result the legislation will not be introduced whilst these discussions continue.

Other policies this Government is implementing to increase opportunities for economic development by Aboriginal people on their land, include the re-establishment of Strategic Aboriginal Water Reserves, the provision of funding to support Aboriginal ranger groups to undertake their crucial front-line services on country, and the progressing of a Treaty for the Northern Territory.

 

Media Contact: Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689