Native title win in Kimberley
PERTH — In the first successful native title claim on the mainland, the Federal Court has recognised the Miriuwung-Gajerrong people's right to their land in the east Kimberley.
The traditional owners won the right to use and occupy the land, control access and protect sacred sites, and gained significant control over resources within the 7000 square kilometre area. However, the court ruled that government works such as roads, reserves and power stations extinguish native title.
The WA government has spent $3 million fighting the claim, and is planning to spend more to contest to the decision. Proposed native title legislation aims to severely limit the rights of traditional owners.
New union radio show
MELBOURNE — The new Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) radio show aired on November 27. Broadcast every Friday from 6.30am on 3CR, it is the voice of the unions's rank and file.
The program will report on all important industrial matters and be a source of information, debate and discussion. For information, contact Spider on 9230 5700.
Workers First win
MELBOURNE — Workers First, the militant rank and file group which won the leadership of the Victorian branch of the AMWU this year, secured five of seven organiser positions in recent elections. Four of the positions were won unopposed, while Victor Jose won with more than 75% of the vote.
Labor to 'forcibly buy' native title
BRISBANE — The Queensland Labor government will forcibly buy out native title rights along the route of the electricity line to the giant Century Zinc mine.
The Century Zinc mine in north-west Queensland has been strongly opposed by Aboriginal communities for years. It was only reluctantly agreed to by the local Waanyi people earlier this year.
Carpentaria Land Council coordinator Murrandoo Yanner warned on November 26 of possible legal action against the state government for breaching the Native Title Act. "[Premier] Beattie has gone and acquired [native title] for a multinational interest against white, black and brindle bloody interests", he said.
AMWU win at Four & Twenty
MELBOURNE — Industrial action by AMWU members that began on November 18 at Simplot's Four & Twenty food products in Kensington has forced the labour-hire agency Manpower off the site. All casuals now have to be employed by Simplot and a limit has been placed on the number of casuals.
Other gains include seniority being applied when casuals are made permanent, a paid meal break and night shift allowance.
The company tried to use the law to end the dispute, but solid picket lines and support from other workers won the day. AMWU activists supported the dispute by placing a picket line at P&O, stopping any Four & Twenty frozen products from being distributed.