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Minister for Indigenous affairs Jenny Macklin. |
Alice Springs town camp residents to receive notice of takeover: Macklin
ISSUE 184 - 21 Aug 2009
NATIONAL, August 25, 2009: The Rudd government will deliver notices about a possible compulsory takeover of Aboriginal town camps to every tin shed and outdoor mattress in Alice Springs, says Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin.
The move comes after a court found Labor's previous consultation efforts were inadequate.
After threatening to compulsorily take over the camps, Labor signed 40-year leases with 16 camp housing associations earlier this year.
But since then a Federal Court injunction has prevented their execution.
Justice Alan Goldberg ruled earlier this month that a resident's concerns about "procedural fairness" should be considered at a trial next week before the handover was finalised.
Ms Macklin said Labor would embark on an "enhanced information campaign" to provide all town camp residents with further information on the effects of a possible compulsory acquisition.
"It responds to the court's interim finding that it is arguable that we did not adequately inform tenants of the effect of any compulsory acquisition."
The campaign will include delivering a notice of possible acquisition to every premises "including tin sheds and other places where people live, including outdoor mattresses".
There'll also be meetings with residents and advertisements placed in local media.
"I have repeatedly consulted with Tangentyere Council, housing associations and town camp residents," Ms Macklin said in a statement.
"But if I have to do more to address the court's concerns, I will."
Ms Macklin said her preference was always for an agreed outcome.
"But the Australian government must look at all available options including possible compulsory acquisition (again).
"The government will extend the period for consultations and submissions on the possible acquisition of the Alice Springs town camps until October 27, 2009." - AAP
For more information on the Alice Springs town camp takeover, please see the related links below.
Related Links
http://www.nit.com.au/News/story.aspx?id=18375
http://www.nit.com.au/News/story.aspx?id=18483
http://www.nit.com.au/News/story.aspx?id=18383
 
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