The 15-year long debate between the industry, Government and
Aboriginal people about the rights and wrongs of Land Rights, the right
of Aboriginal people to control development on their land and the
relationship between the parties, has been long and often bitter. It has so far been a war of words and often the truth has been the first
casualty. This paper looks at the debate and presents the perspective of
Aboriginal people, as well as looking at how the industry and Aboriginal
people can work together for everyone's benefit. It addresses such matters as: why Aboriginal people believe they have the right to control
development on their land; the perception that Aboriginal people are anti-development;
the perception that Aboriginal land is 'locked-up'; and how companies can negotiate with Aboriginal people.