5 May, 2015

NSWALC has welcomed the appointment of a new Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in New South Wales after the return of the Mike Baird Coalition government last month.

National Party Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams replaces Liberal colleague Victor Dominello who served one term as Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.

Mr Williams has a background in nursing, teaching and small business and was elected to the NSW Parliament in 2011.

NSWALC Chairman Craig Cromelin said the Council was looking forward to meeting with the new Minister and other Government ministers to discuss issues to strengthen the Land Rights network.

“The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 plays a key role in overcoming disadvantage by empowering Local Aboriginal Land Councils to continue to deliver the social, economic and cultural needs of our people.

“Since the Act was passed, successful land claims have allowed Aboriginal people to revitalise culture, manage our own wealth base and control our future,” he said.

Cr Cromelin also thanked Mr Dominello for his dedication and commitment to Aboriginal people in New South Wales.

“We thank Minister Dominello for his hard work in guiding amendments to the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 through the Parliament and we look forward to working in partnership with Minister Williams,” Cr Cromelin said.

Other key appointments to the Baird Government include National Party Legislative Council member Niall Blair who replaces Kevin Humphries as Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Land and Water, and Liberal Party Member for Cronulla Mark Speakman who was appointed Minister for the Environment, Minister for Heritage and Assistant Minister for Planning.