The Australian Greens today called on Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to override a comment by Resources Minister Martin Ferguson that the Federal Government would support compulsory acquisition of land for LNG development in the Kimberley

"When making the Apology to Aboriginal Australians early this year, the Prime Minister said we should never repeat the mistakes of the past. His Government is about to do just that," said Senator Rachel Siewert, Australian Greens spokesperson on Aboriginal Issues.

A Federal Court ruling that will halt one of the world's largest zinc mines is a big win for Traditional Owners and for the environment, said the Australian Greens today.

"The McArthur River Mine should never have received Commonwealth approval - it is the direct opposite of the kinds of sustainable economic development that Northern Australia is crying out for," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

The Australian Greens today called on Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett to press ahead with the ongoing strategic assessment process to find the best location for an industrial Hub in the Kimberley, saying that he should not approve any LNG developments in the region outside of the agreed process.

"Colin Barnett's attempt to return to the old days of trampling on Aboriginal rights and environmental heritage is inappropriate and out of step," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

The WA Government needs to seriously invest in Indigenous housing, to address inadequate funding in the past by both State and Federal Governments, said the Australian Greens today.

"Both State and Federal governments need to play catch-up fast by investing the funding required to replace or upgrade homes in Indigenous communities," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

A recent WA government audit found that $540 million needs to be spent renovating nearly 2,500 homes in Indigenous communities in Western Australia.

The Australian Greens today deplored the Australian Government's approach to Indigenous rights during climate change negotiations this week.

"Mr Rudd should be explaining to the Australian people how on one hand he has made an election promise to endorse the UN Declaration of Indigenous Rights, whilst on the other hand acting to cut out any practical application of those rights in the negotiations currently underway at the UN Climate Conference in Poznan," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

The Australian Greens today responded to the release of a Native Title Working Group report, pointing to the need for an overhaul of the system.

"Australia's approach to native title is heavily swayed away from Indigenous Australians, denying them the right to be properly informed, involved or otherwise represented," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

The environmental and economic impact of forestry and mining in the Tiwi Islands will be scrutinised under a Senate Inquiry set up by the Australian Greens today.

"The Tiwi Islands, 80km north of Darwin, have significant biodiversity values, with eucalypt forests and tropical savannas existing alongside rainforest," said Senator Rachel Siewert.

The Australian Greens attempts to restore the Racial Discrimination Act (RDA) in the NT failed in the Senate last night.

"I'm extremely disappointed that the Government sided with the Opposition to oppose my amendments to restore the RDA," said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.

Australian Greens spokesperson on Water, Senator Rachel Siewert, today welcomed cross-party support for amendments to the Water Bill enabling better Indigenous representation in the Basin plan, but pointed to the need for further work on cultural flows and Indigenous water rights.

"This is only the first step in achieving proper Indigenous representation in decision making about the Basin Plan," said Senator Siewert.