Graham, ditto.

Brennan proclaimed of NT that "The peace and order of Australian society is built on the legal system. It can be modified to bring it into conformity with contemporary notions of justice and human rights, but it cannot be destroyed".

Its quite obvious that contemporary notions of justice and human rights are still in retardation.

The justice system was designed and implemented by Norman conquerers to enable the dispossession of celts and anglo-saxons.

You are right, Graham, Native Title is a dog, a black dog, if you'll pardon the pun, and a depressing one. It needs kicking.

Graham, a well-written and thought-provoking article.

Sadly, the lack of response in the form of comments reflects the lethargy and disinterest that persists in Australia when it comes to what's happening for indigenous people.

However, I'd like to hear more from you (and others on this site) about what native title means at heart; what could be done to improve the sluggish progress and hold our government to their commitments; how facing the matter and achieving progress would change things for the better in this country; and why Australians (of all shades and persuasions) should give a damn about this crucial issue.

I'm glad Graham's observing sharply from the armchair the depressing lack of progress -- but why are we making the armchair such an unpopular spot to sit? And what about fitting that armchair with a turbo motor fit to withstand rough terrain...anyone know a good mechanic?

Sorry,

been somewhat preoccupied with other topics.

Any person wishing to understand the glacial progress Native Title would be well served at reading the papers of the Samuel Griffith Society;
http://www.samuelgriffith.org.au/papers/publications.html (interstingly Con/Theo is a member of this society).

I have worked at some length in collecting and entering into databases genealogical information, preservation of languages, and Archeo / ethno archeological surveys etc. I personally believe that there4 will be minimal movement toward a better system of native title until the current high court bench is moved back toward the centre.

I do not say this to annoy others, i merely state the truth (as I see it). Therefore I personally believe that in the current climate, native title is sleeping - waiting for its opportunity - how long it takes is up to the voters.

I did not comment because Graham has said it all.

As a point of interest, about eight years ago i read some articles re: Indigenous land justice. I am doing a bit of a clear out and re:read some of them. Rainer is saying nearly the same as Pearson was saying eight years ago. Is it co-opting?
Another pointer to the slow progress is Perseus' Norman invaders stuff. Old hat. You are comparing snakes to sausages Percy. Since the Norman invasion there has been great improvments in such matters -although invading Iraq suggests otherwise.

The Magna Carter, common law -English Law supposedly should protect Indigenous people - once it was found that they are indeed people.
Most Australians have a fairly well developed sense of justice. Has nothing to do with guilt as the Liberals promote. So I think eventually things will come together.
One thing that always puzzles me is why would Indigenous people want to reconcile with John Howard's mob? The reason Geldoff got up the establisment's nose was because he was by passing the top dogs. The one thing that John Howard and his mob fear the most is losing their mediator status. They have to power to control the agenda - take it back.