Premier

Funding Support For Aboriginal Land Negotiations

19 December 2016

The Andrews Labor Government will provide $200,000 to Victoria’s Taungurung people to continue their native title negotiations.

Parliamentary Secretary for Justice Ben Carroll announced the funding today, which will support the Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation to reach an agreement with the State under Victoria’s Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010.

When finalised, the agreement will recognise the Taungurung people’s right to access, own and manage Crown land in parts of central Victoria, as well as their rights to use and develop its natural resources.

The Traditional Owner Settlement Act is the only state legislation of its kind in Australia, and is an alternative to the Native Title Act 1993 for recognising the rights of traditional owners.

Mr Carroll announced the funding during the launch of the 2016-2020 Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Strategic Plan at Federation Square.

The plan lists 20 key strategies the corporation will employ over the next four years to implement its vision, ‘Protecting our Rights, Building our Future’.

Key strategies include:

  • connecting to culture
  • reviving traditional language
  • pursuing economic opportunities
  • contributing to health and wellbeing
  • gaining representation and recognition in all tiers of government
  • protecting the heritage and environmental values of country
  • generating income and creating employment.

Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Justice Ben Carroll

“The Andrews Labor Government is proud to support the Taungurung people in their settlement agreement negotiations.”

“When complete, the agreement will help the Taungurung people to rebuild and strengthen their connection to country, while also providing the means to shape and determine their own future.”

“I welcome the Taungurung Clans Aboriginal Corporation Strategic Plan, and look forward to seeing its implementation over the next four years.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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