Reforms sought: Currently, a permit is required to enter an Aboriginal community. [File photo]
Last Update: Wednesday, October 4, 2006. 10:15am (AEST)

Brough seeks Aboriginal land permits reforms

The permit system that controls access to Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory has been described as anachronistic and ineffective in a discussion paper released by the federal Indigenous Affairs Minister.

It is necessary to get a permit from a land council, traditional owner or the Northern Territory Government to enter Aboriginal land.

Mal Brough believes the system has created closed communities removed from media scrutiny.

A discussion paper released today says the permit system has helped create a "monopoly of silence" in communities that has failed to prevent substance abuse and violence.

Mr Brough also says the system is inhibiting economic growth.

The paper proposes several reforms, including open access to all public space and scrapping permits for the media.

Another option would designate 'restricted areas' and require Aboriginal people to demonstrate why a site should be restricted.

Mal Brough says the total scrapping of the permit system is also being considered.

"Let's not live a lie and say that a permit system is somehow going to keep crooks out of these communities," he said.

"Clearly the current permit system doesn't work for Aboriginal communities in protecting them from the sort of concerns people have raised.

"I think now is the time to re-examine it, listen to what people have to say and to give people an opportunity to be part of the full market economy."

The Minister is seeking a response to the amendments from the Northern Territory Government as well as the Territory's Aboriginal Land councils.

Submissions close at the end of next month.