The Wire

Aboriginal Tasmanians are, literally, taking new ground in their fight for recognition as the original owners of the island state. Tasmania’s Lower House has approved a bill to hand back parcels of land. Parliamentary debate on the return of Cape Barren, Clarke and Goose Islands began last year, but it wasn’t until yesterday that a decision was made. Although the bill was passed, the Indigenous community is disappointed that Goose Island had to be removed from the bill after staunch resistance from the Flinders Island Council.