NTCAT says NT government’s consultation with Traditional Owners over Anzac Oval acquisition inadequate

The NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal released its recommendation after investigating an objection to the NT government’s proposed acquisition of Anzac Oval.

THE NT government did not sufficiently consult Traditional Owners over the proposed compulsory acquisition of Anzac Oval, the NT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NTCAT) has ruled.

On Tuesday, the NTCAT ruling stated consultations with Mparntwe custodians and the NT government over the proposed compulsory acquisition of the land for the National Aboriginal Art Gallery were not adequate.

The ruling came about after the NT government referred an objection to the acquisition by the Alice Springs Town Council to the NTCAT.

It recommended Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics Minister Eva Lawler consider further negotiations with Mparntwe custodians before making a decision to acquire Anzac Oval.

Ms Lawler said that the ­government accepted the ­recommendations.

“We welcome the NTCAT report into the Land Acquisition of Anzac Oval,” she said.

“NTCAT has not opposed the Art Gallery being in Alice Springs or being built on Anzac Oval, but has recommended that I further consult with the Mparntwe custodians.”

A statement from the Alice Springs Town Council said it also supported the decision.

“Council now encourages the Minister to … seek more appropriate and genuine consultation with Traditional Owners and Council,” it said.

Araluen MLA Robyn Lambley said the lack of consultation was unsurprising.

“We have wasted five years because of their disrespect for the community and the people of Alice Springs,” she said.

“Five years down the track and we are still at the beginning of the process.”