Commonwealth stand on Mabo proposals re-confirmed

22/6/93

Premier Richard Court said today that the Federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister had re-confirmed the Federal Government's intention to impose its Mabo proposals on the States.

The Premier said Mr Tickner was not interested in listening to the particular concerns of Western Australia - the State most affected by the Federal Government's proposals.

"Mr Tickner made it clear the Federal Government would be pressing on regardless of the damage these proposals may cause to the Western Australian economy," Mr Court said.

"This is despite the fact that the Prime Minister and his Ministers have not been able to explain to us the practical process for validating existing titles and awarding compensation.

"Neither can the Federal Government tell us what will happen as future land and mining titles are awarded.

"Paul Keating can send over as many Ministers as he likes - and we will talk to all of them.  But before they will get any acceptance from Western Australia, they must explain the practical detail of how their proposals would work.

"The simple fact is they cannot."

Mr Court said he was continuing to develop a strategy to tackle Mabo issues in the interests of all Western Australians.

"We do not want to get bogged down with Mabo.  There are many social justice issues which need addressing and we want to concentrate our efforts on improving the position of Aboriginal people in our society," he said.