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