Government making home ownership a reality for Indigenous Queenslanders

The Newman Government has today taken an important step to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to own their own home, on their own land.

Natural Resources and Mines Minister, Andrew Cripps, said the LNP Government recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Queensland want to own their own homes in their communities so they can participate in the broader economy, as well as having assets to pass on to their families.

“This desire for greater security of land tenure is behind the discussion paper, Providing freehold title in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, which is available for public comment until 29 March 2013,” Mr Cripps said.

“The key to delivering greater Indigenous home ownership is to provide the opportunity for ordinary, individual freehold land title to Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders.”

Mr Cripps said the discussion paper outlines a proposed freehold model and a process of community consultation that could lead to that model being adopted.

“This proposed model would be a significant change from the existing trust and communal land tenure arrangements, where land cannot be sold,” he said.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs Minister, Glen Elmes, said that the Newman Government sees home ownership as an important step towards addressing Indigenous disadvantage.

“We want to work with communities to identify what’s best for each one and to what extent freehold land can be made part of the community,” Mr Elmes said.

“The provision of freehold land isn’t a solution in itself, but is part of a wider strategy to address entrenched disadvantage within Indigenous communities and will support job creation and economic growth.

 “However this model will not be forced upon a community.

“Communities may elect not to adopt freehold land title or elect to adopt it only in part of their community.

“In those areas where freeholding is not being adopted, the current land tenure arrangements, including leasing, would continue.”

Assistant Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, David Kempton, said the community would be well informed about the Government’s freehold title proposal.

“The Government recognises the importance of getting this proposal right,” Mr Kempton said.

“The Premier has today written to key community groups and provided them with a copy of the discussion paper. 

“Over the coming months I will work with Government departments to conduct a series of meetings with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land trusts, native title bodies, Aboriginal Shire councils and Indigenous Regional councils.”

Copies of the discussion paper Providing freehold title in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are available online at www.dnrm.qld.gov.au.

Written submissions, regarding the proposal may be lodged with the Director, Whole of Government Policy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Land Services, Department of Natural Resources and Mines, PO Box 2454, Brisbane Qld 4001; by fax at (07) 3405 6899; or at IndigenousLandServices@dnrm.qld.gov.au until 29 March 2013.

[ENDS] 15 November 2012

Media contact: Jane Paterson (Minister Cripps) – 0417 281 754

                           Peter McCarthy (Minister Elmes) – 0408 835 548

                           Cook Electorate Office (David Kempton) – 4092 7608