Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, has today addressed the 111th Full Council meeting of the Northern Land Council (NLC) held at Gulkula in north-east Arnhem Land.

Minister Scullion said he was pleased to be invited to attend the meeting and welcomed the opportunity to discuss a range of issues with members of the NLC.

“Today’s meeting was a chance for me to address Council members’ issues including this Government’s commitment to settle the Kenbi and Wickham River land claims,” Minister Scullion said.

“I am keen to work with community leaders across Australia to ensure Government policies and programmes are delivering better outcomes for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

“Today’s meeting was a great opportunity to discuss important issues like this Government’s reforms to the Community Development Programme, the new initiatives this Government is investing in as part of the Developing Northern Australia programme and the important role Land Councils can play in supporting children in remote communities to attend school.

“It was good to be able to talk to Council members face-to-face about their priorities and concerns.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new Deputy Chair Mr Wayne Wauchope and thank the outgoing Deputy Chair Mr John Daley for his valued time in this role.”

Minister Scullion told the NLC he was looking forward to next year’s 40th anniversary of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 passing through the Australian Parliament.

“Its creation remains a significant milestone for the achievement of land rights for Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory,” Minister Scullion said.“The 40th anniversary next year will be a milestone worth celebrating and I am committed to working with the NLC – and the other Northern Territory Land Councils and stakeholders – to decide on a way to mark the occasion in a meaningful way.”