Legislation to Empower Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community

Media release - Minister Wyatt

The Morrison Government has today introduced a Bill to give members of the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community Council (WBACC) in the Jervis Bay Territory more control over their land, leadership and community investments.

The Aboriginal Land Grant (Jervis Bay Territory) Amendment (Strengthening Land and Governance Provisions)Bill 2022 is the result of extensive co-design by the Government with WBACC, and will now be considered by the House of Representatives.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM, MP, said the early investment in co-design was key to ensure the Bill’s reforms were community-led and support their aspirations.

“We have been working with the Wreck Bay community what improvements and reforms WBACC members were looking for,” Minister Wyatt said.

“By listening to the needs of community, we were able to create informed draft legislation endorsed by WBACC.

“Now, we’re taking practical action to make these reforms a reality.”

The amendments in this Bill will facilitate greater self-determination for people living in Wreck Bay by encouraging long-term home ownership, strengthening governance of WBACC and providing a greater autonomy for community investments.

It will also change the name of the Act to the Aboriginal Land and Waters (Jervis Bay Territory) Act 1986 to reflect the community’s ownership of waters as well as land.

“This Bill removes a number of barriers limiting local decision making and I thank WBACC for working together with the Government,” Minister Wyatt said.

“Their time and efforts throughout the co-design process will ensure the reforms are fit for purpose and serve the community.”

A fact sheet explaining the reforms is available on the NIAA website, niaa.gov.au/reforms-jervis-bay.