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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2025-09-02 Daily Xml
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SA Native Title Services Gala Dinner

The Hon. T.T. NGO (14:38): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Can the minister tell the council about the SA Native Title Services gala dinner held at the Adelaide Convention Centre?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:39): I thank the honourable member and former Chair of the Aboriginal Lands Parliamentary Standing Committee for his question in relation to native title in South Australia. Indeed, it was a pleasure to attend a celebration of the work of South Australian Native Title Services over 30 years and the operation of the Native Title Act in South Australia.

I will acknowledge the presence of shadow Aboriginal affairs minister, Josh Teague, member for Heysen, who I will pay respect to as a person who turns up to quite a lot of things in Aboriginal affairs and takes a genuine interest. I appreciate the constructive working relationship we have had in Aboriginal affairs for a very long time in South Australia. As a general rule, Aboriginal affairs has been a bipartisan endeavour, and I appreciate that it continues in that respect during this term of government generally.

It was an opportunity to celebrate the fact that it has been more than 30 years since the Native Title Act was passed federally and, within that, to celebrate the extraordinary and enduring legacy of South Australian Native Title Services (SANTS) and its predecessors. The foundational work began with the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement, whose native title unit laid the groundwork. Then, in 2008, SANTS was established as a standalone entity, delivering a focused and effective approach.

Since then, SANTS has been a cornerstone in advocating for the recognition and protection of native title rights and interests in South Australia. Over many years, SANTS has worked tirelessly, providing essential services including administration, research, legal, finance, corporate and community development, human resources, media, and public relations. Since its inception, SANTS has helped facilitate determinations, with more than 40 determinations of native title in South Australia, which is an outstanding achievement that demonstrates their expertise and commitment to bringing about these outcomes. What is even more remarkable is that the majority of these determinations have been determined through consent and agreement, showcasing the ability for collaboration.

This celebration was not only a celebration of SANTS' achievements across the 30 years but the broader legacy of native title in South Australia. It was heartening to see the sense of pride shared by everyone in attendance. The event included a great panel discussion, featuring Clyde Rigney Snr of the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation, Rob Singleton of Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka Aboriginal Corporation, and Susan Dodd of the Dieri Aboriginal Corporation, each of who offered insights into the work and challenges that face traditional owners.

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone at SANTS for their outstanding achievements. The success of this evening was a reflection of the dedication, commitment and passion that SANTS has demonstrated over the years. I would particularly like to acknowledge its chief executive, Keith Thomas, who started in the very early days at the native title unit in the ALRM and has continued this great work for many, many years.

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