MEDIA RELEASE

NICK XENOPHON M.L.C.

INDEPENDENT NO POKIES MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL  

20th April 2004

TIME TO CHANGE LAW ON MEDIA AND PUBLIC ACCESS BAN ON AP LANDS

No Pokies MLC Nick Xenophon says “urgent re-think” is required over current laws that prevent public and media access Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands.  He is seeking public submissions with a view to amend the Pitjantjatjara Land Rights Act of 1981 which makes it an offence – punishable by a $2,000 fine (with an ongoing fine of $500 per day) for the public to have access to the lands.  The only exemptions are for the police and other statutory officers, those with written permission from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, MPs and candidates for Parliament, or entry “in case of emergency”.

“Essentially the AP Lands have been off limits for the last 23 years – with the AP Executive having enormous power over who can come on to the Lands, and it can and does impose draconian conditions on the right of entry.”

“Shutting off the AP Lands from the eyes of reasonable scrutiny can’t be a good thing when you consider the severe problems those on the Lands faced, particularly with petrol sniffing, abuse and suicide.”

“The reasoning given when the legislation was passed back in 1980 was never clear for the restriction of public access.  The public interest is not being served by the current legislative ban on access.  In just one month there have been four deaths, and eight attempted suicides on the AP Lands.  By keeping the problems on the AP Lands out of sight, a great disservice as been done to the men, women and children on the AP Lands who are struggling with enormous and life threatening problems.”

Mr. Xenophon said it was appropriate to review the laws on access, particularly on the day that a media contingent was going to the AP Lands with special permission from the AP Executive.  “What is happening today shouldn’t be the exception to the rule.”