WA: Noongar people disappointed at court ruling

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2008
WA: Noongar people disappointed at court ruling

Representatives of the indigenous Noongar people say their Native Title claim over
Perth is back to square one.

The Federal Court has decided NOT to make a ruling on whether native title exists over Perth.

It's upheld an appeal by federal and state governments .. over a decision that native
title exists over more than six thousand square kilometres of Perth and its surrounds.

But it HASN'T ruled that there's no native title over the city.

Outside the court .. TED HART from the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council said
it's a frustrating decision for the Noongar people after years of hard work.

But SWALC chief executive GLEN KELLY says it's neither a win nor a loss.

Mr KELLY says there could be many more years of litigation to come unless the state
and commonwealth agree to negotiate an outcome outside court.

AAP RTV np/tm/bart

KEYWORD: NOONGAR (PERTH)

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