ATNS - Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements project

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Principles of Cooperation between the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and Leichhardt Council
Category:	Event
Sub Category:	Statement of Commitment/Intention
Place:	Sydney
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State/Country:	New South Wales, Australia
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Subject Matter:	Reconciliation \| Recognition Agreement / Acknowledgement \| \| Local Government
Summary Information:
The Principles of Cooperation agreement between the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council (Metro) and Leichhardt Council ('the Agreement') was the first such agreement to be signed between Metro and a council in the region. It appears that the Agreement was signed between 8 September 2003 and 22 April 2004 (Leichhardt Council 2003; Leichhardt Council 2004). A media release by Leichhardt Council prior to the signing of the Agreement stated as follows (quoting Mayor Maire Sheehan): '"The draft Principles of Cooperation recognise that [Metro] is the custodian of Aboriginal land, cultural sites and landscapes. "Equally, though, they recognise also that Council is the elected representative body for Leichhardt residents and the consent authority for development and building." The two organisations will agree to work collaboratively on development proposals that are on or affect Aboriginal interests, as well as fostering reconciliation. The draft document also seeks to encourage joint ventures or projects that can improve employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people' (Leichhardt Council 2003). Metro's 'aim is to sign a Principles of Cooperation Agreement with every Council within [its] boundaries' (Metro 2006). Principles of Cooperation agreements are designed to create 'formal communication, consultation and negotiation processes between Metro' and each Council involved. They 'also [open] the way for possible future cross cultural training and joint community development initiatives' (see, eg, ABC 2005; Warringah Council 2005).