Justice Murray Wilcox of the Federal Court this week handed down a ruling that the Noongar people are the traditional owners of a hugh tract of most of South West Western Australia. This area includes some of the most fertile and developed part of WA. It extends up to and including the City of Perth. As yet, the full details have not been published. In "The Australian" dated 23 September, an article appeared written by a prominent Aboriginal leader, a Mr Noel Pearson who is currently Director of the Cape York Institute for Policy and Leadership, whom I assume has read the Finding. I consider some of his comments both disturbing and revealing. He wrote and I quote " Just when the whitefellas were getting relaxed and comfortable about native title, Justice Murray Wilcox of the Federal Court dropped a bombshell right in the centre of Perth, a metropolis that governs the most booming natural resources economy in the world" and " The whitefellas have never had it so good" He then wrote about tenures which extinguishes native title and assured people that their backyards were still safe. He then wrote " The effect of the ruling is that the Noongar are entitled to whatever lands are left over in Perth" and " But what is left will be valuable.Most will see the value of the land as real estate in a booming city" The most revealing comments were then written and I quote " The Noongar can also be expected to be entitled to substantial compensation for the extinguishment pf their native title as a result of land dealings" and " The Noongar will be the first group to receive compensation for the loss of native title"
He also claimed that all Crown Land now belong to the Noongar. This Court Ruling has enormous ramifications now and in the future. I would appreciate non racial valid comments from the members of this Forum, and the full story can be found in www.theaustralian.news.com.au
The Ruling will most probably be appealed by the WA State Gov't

The lawyers, anthropologists, social workers and politicians will be the main winners.

Basis for real "reconciliation" and eliminating these disputes requires issuing titles for ALL unalienated land to original owners as individuals and as members of corporate groups.

Yes, hand over all the footpaths, etc...

Then enact resumptions for wherever deemed necessary and pay the just compensation.

Is not just compensation being in Australia a constitutional requirment, it is an economical and principled solution that will resolve the issues.

All payments re these lands etc will of course be taxable...