For many years, even before the question of native title, they have been seeking improved security of tenure for their operations. They have made a tremendous commitment to the country. They want that commitment recognised and supported. They also want to better understand the aspirations of Aboriginal people. In the absence of clear statements of Aboriginal desires, uncertainty and distrust results.
Some landholders now feel threatened.
The South Australian Farmers Federation, together with its counterparts from the mining and fishing industries, have met on numerous occasions with peak Aboriginal organisations in the State. We have referred to our meetings as a Native Title Forum, and particularly in the period soon after the Mabo decision, we found the forum to be extremely effective in helping us to understand each other's perspectives. The forum has been very influential in shaping our response to a number of contentious matters since then, ensuring we are on a good, first name basis with each other, and able to talk honestly about concerns privately, rather than via the media. A degree of trust has developed between the peak organisations. With the assistance of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, the SA Farmers Federation has also hosted a number of workshops in pastoral areas.