House of Assembly Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1) 54 1 Parliament of South Australia House of Assembly published Question Time Nukunu Native Title Determination Nukunu Native Title Determination Mr ELLIS House of Assembly Narungga Nukunu Native Title Determination Mr ELLIS (Narungga) (14:55): My question is to the Attorney-General. Can the Attorney-General please update the house on the outcomes of the recent Nukunu native title determination, which was recently completed? The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN House of Assembly Bragg Deputy Premier Attorney-General Nukunu Native Title Determination The Hon. V.A. CHAPMAN (Bragg—Deputy Premier, Attorney-General) (14:55): I thank the member for Narungga for both his interest in this matter and his question. I am extremely proud to advise the house of an update on a longstanding determination application. The Nukunu claim was lodged back in 1996. It covered an area of over 12,500 square kilometres, extending from Port Broughton in the south to Warrakimbo and Yourambulla in the north. It is bound on the east by the Flinders Ranges on a line drawn roughly from Spalding through Orroroo to Cradock. The claim included the waters of Spencer Gulf to the centre-line of the gulf and seven reserves. It also included the towns of Port Pirie, Port Germein, Melrose, Quorn and Port Augusta. In the 23 years since this claim was lodged, extensive work has been undertaken by the local community and their advisers to finalise the claim. Obviously, with a determination of this size, it needs considerable input and effort from all parties, and I acknowledge and thank the Nukunu community for their approach in respect of this native title claim. It assisted with culminating in a consent determination, and recently a ceremony has occurred on the lands at Port Germein—an unforgettable event for all those involved. I also report that for the local community this determination not only recognised 23 years and beyond of work but that the Nukunu community now hold that native title over that land. The determination of this claim brings certainty for all users of the region in relation to their dealings, activities on the land and the like. Obviously, members would appreciate the positive social and economic effect on this vast area. The native title compensation that flows from it will clearly have a positive effect on Indigenous families and the community in the region. This will be achieved through recognition of the local Aboriginal community as spokespeople for the area and by strengthening the role of the Nukunu community in future Aboriginal Heritage Act matters over the entire area. The settlement adds to 20 claims comprehensively settled in South Australia. We have truly taken a proactive approach in South Australia in settling native title claims. I am pleased to say that, on the second day of government last year, I was lucky to attend the determination of the Kaurna people at the Federal Court in Victoria Square. I want to thank all local communities, native title groups and the Crown Solicitor's Office for working in this area and progressing these claims, but in particular today to acknowledge the work in respect of this claim and the delivering of a strong future for the Nukunu community.