Attorney-General Robert McClelland today welcomed the Federal Court’s recognition of Kalkadoon native title rights in Queensland.
The Court’s determination recognises exclusive and non exclusive native title rights over more than 37,500 square kilometres across the Boulia, Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, McKinlay and Mount Isa Local Government Areas.
“This is a significant determination by the Court, and I congratulate the Kalkadoon people on this very important day,” Mr McClelland said.
“I also extend my gratitude to those who assisted in reaching agreement on the consent determination,” Mr McClelland said.
“All relevant parties, including the Commonwealth, have agreed to the consent determination.
“This means that the Kalkadoon people will hold exclusive native title over more than 4,000 square kilometres of their traditional country.
“They may also exercise non exclusive rights to access, camp, hunt, fish and conduct ceremonies over more than 37,000 square kilometres of their traditional country.
“This outcome is a testament to the Kalkadoon people’s determination to maintain their culture and traditional relationship with their country.
”Recognition of the Kalkadoon people’s native title is an occasion to celebrate.
“Native title decisions such as this help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians,” Mr McClelland said.
The determination is part of a welcome increase in the number of native title determinations reached by consent since the Federal Court adopted intensive case management practices for native title matters following the Government’s 2009 amendments to the Native Title Act 1993.
Media contact: Simon Ferguson – 02 6277 7300
