Abstract
The Australian Government has put considerable effort into the uptake of township leases in Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, a reform introduced in 2006. It argues that the leases have the potential to transform the economic environment of Aboriginal communities. This article explores the true relationship between township leases and economic development. It draws on empirical research and a set of newly-developed concepts – the leasehold spectrum, an occupier-driven approach, a landowner-driven approach – to explain the particular way in which township leases alter the economic circumstances of communities. Contrary to what is often suggested, for the most part township leases implement a landowner-driven rather than occupier-driven approach. This has consequences not just for how development occurs, but also for who benefits from developments. Until now, those consequences have not been debated in public forums. Similar issues arise in other Indigenous communities around Australia. The article reframes discussion about land reform in Indigenous communities so that these important issues can be given more careful thought.
Highlights
Indigenous policy in Australia has changed a great deal over the last two decades
One of the more significant changes has been an increased focus on economic development and participation in the ‘mainstream economy’. It is in this context that the Australian government promotes the adoption of township leases by Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, a reform introduced by the Howard government in 2006 following a contentious debate about communal ownership of Indigenous land
It has always been possible for the owners of ALRA land to grant leases directly to occupiers, the Australian government argues that this takes too long and that once a township lease is in place the Executive Director of Township Leasing (EDTL) can manage the process more efficiently
Summary
One of the more significant changes has been an increased focus on economic development and participation in the ‘mainstream economy’ It is in this context that the Australian government promotes the adoption of township leases by Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory, a reform introduced by the Howard government in 2006 following a contentious debate about communal ownership of Indigenous land. Township leasing — in common with most other recent reforms — has implemented a landowner-driven approach to reform This has ongoing consequences for relationships, governance and economic activity in those communities. The Closing the Gap Report for 2016 states that: Township leases are a lever for economic development, delivering long-term tradeable tenure to underpin commercial activities and home ownership They simplify leasing and land use across a whole town and makes it possible for individuals to obtain long-term subleases to support a loan.[5]. Part V provides a discussion, addressing such questions as which approach is likely to lead to greater economic development, how issues of cultural compatibility arise and the likely impact of reforms on the balance of relationships in communities on Aboriginal land
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