The Australian Government has today introduced a Bill to give the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council more control over its own affairs and to modernise the Council’s governance structures.
The Aboriginal Land Grant (Jervis Bay Territory) Amendment (Strengthening Land and Governance Provisions) Bill 2022 enhances local control over decision making. It also allows the Council to offer home ownership style leases to members of the Wreck Bay community.
A name change to the Act – including waters alongside land – will reflect the community’s ownership of, and strong connection to the sea and freshwater sources in the Jervis Bay Territory.
This Bill was introduced in the last Parliament but did not come to a vote before it was prorogued.
The Bill went back to the community for consultation, and it was resolved that it should be reintroduced, which is a testament to the design of the Bill and the bi-partisan support for Aboriginal people to have more control over decisions that affect them directly.
In addition to the Bill, the Government is providing $5 million to the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council for much needed housing repairs and upgrades in the community.
A fact sheet explaining the reforms in the Bill is available on the National Indigenous Australians Agency website, niaa.gov.au/reforms-jervis-bay
Quotes attributable to Minister Burney
“This Bill has been driven by the community and will underpin a new era of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council serving Aboriginal people living in the region.
“This will simplify arrangements for long-term leasing, allowing community members to enjoy the intergenerational benefits of home ownership.
“The Council has been instrumental in bringing this Bill to fruition and I’m pleased practical benefits will flow through to members of the Wreck Bay community.”
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister Leigh
“Having represented the Wreck Bay community in parliament for over a decade, I am acutely aware of the proud heritage of this community, its beautiful natural setting, and the importance of working with the community to achieve the aspirations of its members.
“This Bill has had invaluable input from the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council which will be well positioned to hold and manage this land for the benefit of the Council’s members for generations to come.”