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Abbott views 'outdated': CLC
ISSUE 188 - 16 Oct 2009
ISSUE 188, October 15, 2009: One of Australia's most powerful Aboriginal land councils has lashed out at opposition spokesman on Indigenous affairs Tony Abbott, accusing him of holding "outdated and purely ideological" views.
Mr Abbott said that he was going to investigate whether the Central Land Council (CLC) should be broken up into a set of smaller bodies. He said the move was prompted by the concerns of traditional owners, who told him during his recent tour of central Australia they were angry at the way the CLC has been releasing land for housing.
"I have been reminded of the recommendation of the Reeves report some years back that these councils be broken up into smaller bodies," he told ABC Radio in Darwin. "Certainly, the people I've been talking to would think that was a very good idea."
But CLC director David Ross accused Mr Abbott of "living in the dark ages".
"Mr Abbott shows complete ignorance of the processes and functions of the CLC. I must say how deeply disappointed we are in Mr Abbott, who on his way through Central Australia thoughtlessly pursued an outdated and purely ideological line instead of one based on facts." - AAP
 
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