CAPE YORK COMMUNITIES' LIFELINE

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A lifeline was thrown to Cape York communities tonight with the passing through the Senate of the Bill to start the process to overturn the Queensland Government's Wild Rivers Legislation.

North Queensland based Senator and Federal Opposition Spokesman on Northern and Remote Australia, Senator Ian Macdonald said that the pressure was now on the Labor Party in the House of Representatives to adopt the Bill that has been passed by the Senate.

"The Bill was forced through the Senate late this evening to ensure that it could be dealt with by the Parliament before the winter recess.

"It is universally accepted that the Queensland Wild Rivers Legislation has inhibited economic opportunities for indigenous people in Cape York and has confined these people to a lifetime of welfare dependency."

"Evidence collected by a Senate Committee looking into the Bill clearly demonstrated that the Queensland Legislation would make it difficult for Cape York communities to establish businesses, produce food and to participate in potential mining operations."

"Already the closure of the Wenlock River has meant mining operators have withdrawn investment, and jobs anticipated by locals have disappeared overnight."

I urge all Far North Queenslanders to blitz local member Jim Turnour's office demanding his support for the Bill in the House of Representatives tomorrow.

END

January 2010

Media contact Gordon Terry      (07) 4771 3066   or   0427 960 255                                           

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