CEO Report.

I welcome you to the NTSCORP annual report for 07/08. As most of our clients and stakeholders are aware, the company, formally known as New South Wales Native Title Services Limited changed its corporate identity to NTSCORP Limited.

This action came into effect in September 2007 after approval from NTSCORP members at last year’s annual general meeting. The decision to change the company ‘brand’ is a conscious move by the organisation to reflect the changes and challenges that confront the company and our primary stakeholders, the Traditional Owners of our lands. The company, and our clients, are already benefiting from the flexibility provided by the changes both internal and external that allow for a flexible, more efficient approach to the way we do business.

This financial year has seen a number of changes and challenges confront the company. The election of a new Federal Government has been at the forefront of these changes. We welcome the government’s preference for negotiation rather than litigation and we look forward to working in genuine partnership with all stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes for the Traditional Owners of our lands. However, we note that increased financial support to facilitate meaningful advancement has yet to materialise. Unless this issue is addressed in the near future, the retention of staff will become a real issue and this in turn will affect what we can achieve.

Budgetary pressures notwithstanding I am pleased to report that the current reporting period has seen a number of current matters reach fruition. The Byron Bay Bundjalung People’s ILUAs were registered by the Delegate of the Registrar of the NNTT on 22 April 2008 and their implementation is currently being finalised in mediation with the NSW Government. The Githabul People’s consent determination was finalised on 29 November 2007 and NTSCORP are assisting the Githabul Nation Aboriginal Corporation (PBC) in the management of their rights and interests. Other matters that have been finalised in the reporting period include Barkandji #1, the establishment of the North-East Wiradjuri Trust and a number of s31 agreements including the ‘Portland’, ‘Moorlaben’ and ‘Gomeroi Narrabri’ agreements.

The past year has seen some internal changes to our company with the appointment of Mr Bidjara-Barnes as our Principal Solicitor and the appointment of Mr Philippe Savidis and Ms Mishka Holt as Senior Solicitors. The aforementioned are long-term employees of the company. It is our belief that the training and advancement of our internal staff provides for a stable, efficient, flexible and innovative workplace. This has also been reflected at board level where we have taken the opportunity to increase our capacity and ability in responding to the demands of a constantly shifting environment with the appointment of 2 new member directors, Ms Gina Milgate and Mr Anthony Ashby (see Chair’s Report).

The company will continue in our quest for lateral funding streams that will enhance our present capabilities. We remain committed to providing the best possible service to Traditional Owners throughout our coverage area through our current policy mechanisms. These mechanisms are monitored constantly to ensure that our current and future claims list/s reflect the needs and aspirations of the community.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated board for their wisdom and knowledge. I would also like to pay tribute to an outstanding body of professional, dedicated and passionate staff whose tireless efforts ensure that we can achieve much in the face of the constraints placed upon us.

Warren Mundine
CEO

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