Kevin Miller.
Camera IconKevin Miller. Credit: Supplied/Will Russell d476632

Armadale man removed from South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council AGM

Jaime ShurmerComment News

A NOONGAR man objecting to a native title settlement was removed from an important annual general meeting this week because he was not a member of the council.

Armadale resident Kevin Miller was removed from the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) annual general meeting in Cannington on Monday.

He was among a group that entered the meeting without holding membership of the council.

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Their desire to hear the council’s discussions was set against the background of the National Native Title Tribunal’s consideration of a major item for the State Budget.

SWALSC chief executive Wayne Nannup said the South West Native Title Settlement was the most significant treaty that had been negotiated in Australia’s history.

The settlement is currently open to an objections period.

The title settlement would include the return of 320,000ha of land to Noongar ownership and control, and a perpetual trust of $50 million for 12 years.

Six Noongar Regional Corporations would be established along with a Noongar Land Fund, plus the transfer of 121 houses to the Noongar Boodja Trust.

While the majority of Noongar people voted for the settlement to be drawn up, those in opposition include people like Mr Miller.

Kevin Miller was among the people removed from the South West Land and Sea Council AGM in Cannington on Monday.
Camera IconKevin Miller was among the people removed from the South West Land and Sea Council AGM in Cannington on Monday. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mr Miller, who represents the Miller clan, said he wants native title to remain as it is.

“There’s a different group of people trying to claim and I’m trying to tell them they can’t do that,” he said.

Council chief executive Wayne Nannup said signs outside the venue made it clear only members and staff could attend and participate.

“The South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) is the Native Title Service Provider for the South West of Western Australia,” Mr Nannup said.

“SWLASC is a membership organisation open to membership to all Noongar people over the age of 18 and has over 5000 members.

“We regret that some people, who were not members of SWLASC, were removed from the AGM after being disruptive,” he said.

For more details on the settlement visit www.noongar.org.au.

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