The new sections would allow the ILC to grant land, or money to buy land, or guarantee loans, to, not only Indigenous corporations, but trusts, and in exceptional circumstances, individuals or Indigenous partnerships. The amendments give the ILC the powers to deal. Those in favour of this would argue that Indigenous Australians should have the same land holding rights as other citizens, that it is unfair to restrict land ownership to corporations, and that land grants should be made to what ever types of bodies best suit different communities and family groups. Whilst acknowledging the long-held principle of indigenous community ownership, we must be conscious of the changing place, role and contribution of Aboriginal people in contemporary Australia, particularly urban localities. Further more, families rather than corporations, are a traditional way for some Aboriginal groups to conduct their affairs.
Corporations are part of a white-imposed alien culture.
Those against could argue that these amendments go against the principle of community ownership of indigenous land, that in some parts of Australia, individual ownership of any sort is contrary to indigenous concepts of goup ownership, and that it might encourage young Aboriginal people to adopt a non-indigenous way of life. Furthermore, corporations are legally responsible to their shareholders and answerable to their communities and are therefore the best way to manage land. This amendment could raise false hopes in individuals and families, because the Land Fund has only limited means and cannot deliver on all requests. This new subsection allows the Minister to appoint additional members to the board of the ILC as the Minister determines, after consultation with the other members. The new section requires the Minister to be satisfied that all appointed board members have experience in land or environment management, business or financial management, or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community life.