Vic: Tribal bodies call for sacking of key land claims body

AAP General News (Australia)
08-24-2001
Vic: Tribal bodies call for sacking of key land claims body

A fiery meeting of the leaders of Victoria's Aboriginal land claim groups has sought
the dismantling of the state's key Native Title body amid claims it wasted $13 million.

Representatives of 80 per cent of Victoria's Native Title groups gathered as a reform
group for the meeting in Melbourne today.

They voted to dump the leadership of the Miriambak Nations Aboriginal Corporation.

Mirimbiak is the body responsible for negotiating land claims on behalf of Victorian
Aboriginal tribal organisations.

In a joint statement the reform group says their native title claims are being jeopardised
by maladministration, mismanagement, and divisive management practices of Mirimbiak.

The group says Mirimbiak Nations has squandered $13 million since its creation in 1995.

Tabled at today's meeting was a report into the performance of Mirimbiak Nations which
recommends key office-holders be replaced.

Meanwhile, Mirimbiak Nations acting chief executive MISTY MCMILLAN says she will respond
to the latest report into the body after it is released publicly next week.

AAP ra/clr/wz $

KEYWORD: NATIVE VIC (MELBOURNE)

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