decision
From: Friends of the Earth Fitzroy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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dear friends
it's been a shameful day here, with the native title claim by the
Yorta
Yorta people being dismissed in the federal court. The Yorta Yorta
have
been in court for more than four years to have their native title
rights
recognised. This outcome is a set-back for all Indigenous people
in
Victoria seeking their rights to land and recognition as distinct
Nations through the legal processes.
in solidarity
Friends of the Earth Australia
-------
media release * Friday 18th December 1998
Day of Shame for the Federal Court
The national environment organisation Friends of the Earth
expresses
it�s dismay at this mornings judgement on the Yorta Yorta native
title
claim.
�The judgement is an attempt to �liquid paper� the Yorta Yorta
people
out of history, in spite of clear ongoing links with their
traditional
country. Throughout this process the Yorta Yorta have �played by
the
rules� and now they have been sadly betrayed by the legal
process.�
When considered in the light of the moves by the Kennett
government to
introduce the Confirmation and Validation legislation at the State
level
[the Land Titles Validation (Amendment) Bill], this can be seen as
nothing less than a double edged attack on the rights of
Indigenous
people. How can Mr Howard�s �reconciliation� mean anything with
these
kinds of judgements?
Justice Olney showed an astounding disregard for the Yorta Yorta
people
by mumbling his way through a one minute speech and not even
explaining
the reasons for his judgement to the Yorta Yorta and their
supporters.
This day will be judged as one of absolute shame not only for
Justice
Olney but also the Victorian Government, who steadfastly argued
against
the rights of the Yorta Yorta people.
Because of this decision, there is an alarming precedent for the
other
Native Title holders throughout Victoria whose claims are yet to
be
heard.
FoE offers its condolences and support to the Yorta Yorta people
in
their ongoing struggle for recognition and custodianship of their
lands.
end
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