The Territory Coordinator Bill should not proceed, Traditional Owners said on Wednesday after the release of a report recommending minor changes to the proposed NT legislation.
The inquiry report by the Northern Territory Legislative Scrutiny Committee on the bill recommends the NT government pass it with minor amendments despite the legislation facing significant public opposition.
The Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation representing Traditional Owners from the Beetaloo Basin, and Mabo lawyer Greg McIntyre SC, provided evidence at the Darwin scrutiny committee hearings for the controversial NT Coordinator Bill in late February.
On Wednesday Nurrdalinji chairperson Samuel Janama Sandy, a Djingili elder from Elliott in the heart of the Beetaloo Basin, said the bill should not become law.
"This bill is no good, it puts too much power in the hands of one person. Why should a former gas boss get to decide what happens on our country?" he said.
"It's clear from this report that the Territory government doesn't take Traditional Owner concerns seriously. We told the committee that our old people fought long and hard for their rights so that we can make decisions about what happens on our country, and it looks like they are trying to undo all of that.
"It's wrong that the government is trying to sidestep laws. It's all Traditional Owners have to protect our country, our heritage and our water.
"These laws are going to just create more uncertainty and open up the NT government for all sorts of mess that is going to end up costing money that should be spent on health, housing and community."