“We do not have any Traditional Owner families” - Local Council Denies TOs role on Aboriginal Advisory Committee

17 Oct

“We do not have any Traditional Owner families on the committee as it is not part of the terms of reference and the Tweed Shire Aboriginal community are adequately covered through the six organisations”

After receiving complaints from Yugambeh Nation representatives about the exclusion of Yugambeh people in its acknowledgement and processes, the Tweed Shire Council, located in North-East New South Wales has denied Traditional Owner families a role in its Aboriginal Advisory Council.

“Council recognises the Aboriginal Advisory Committee as the primary source of advice under the Terms of Reference. (Attached) The Committee has been working with Tweed Shire Council for the past 25 Years and we have maintained a mutually respectful relationship with positive outcomes. The Committee is made up of Tweed Local Aboriginal organisations within Councils jurisdiction.” Said a spokesperson on behalf of the council.

Shaun Davies, representative member of the Murangburra clan which covers the Mt. Wollumbin area within the Tweed Shire has called for the inclusion of Traditional Owner families within the Aboriginal Advisory Council, which has purview of matters such as which Traditional Owner groups to acknowledge. Mr. Davies argues that it is ironic and clearly not in the interests of justice that persons charged with deciding acknowledgements are not Traditional Owners themselves, or at least listening to them.

“The Aboriginal Advisory Committee does not include any Aboriginal organisation that represents our Traditional Owner families in that capacity, and as such, does not reflect traditional owner views in its current arrangement. We would ask that a place on the committee be made available for a Traditional Owner Only organisation such as the Yugambeh Land Enterprises Ltd, or the Danggan Balun Aboriginal Corporation.” Said Davies’ complaint to the council.

The Yugambeh Nation strongly condemns this violation of the United Nation’s Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, particularly our right to self-determine our political status guaranteed in Article 3. We call on all locals to make their voice known to the Tweed Shire Council, you can find their contact details below: