COAG Investigation into Indigenous Land Administration and Use

On 10 October 2014, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) announced an investigation into Indigenous land administration and use to enable traditional owners to readily attract private sector investment and finance to develop their own land with new industries and businesses to provide jobs and economic advancement for Indigenous people. The Investigation will report to COAG in late 2015.

COAG is the peak intergovernmental forum in Australia, chaired by the Prime Minister. The other members of COAG are the State and Territory Premiers and Chief Ministers and the President of the Australian Local Government Association. 

This Investigation presents an opportunity to put to these leaders of government a view about how the legislative, regulatory, administrative and operational frameworks that underpin Indigenous land use across Australia are affecting opportunities for Indigenous-led economic development.

A strong Indigenous voice is key to this Investigation. An Expert Indigenous Working Group was established to provide guidance to the Investigation. As Chair of this Group, I want to talk about the Investigation so far, and hear from you about where the current system is supporting, or not supporting, Indigenous-led economic development on Indigenous land.