National Aboriginal Alliance federal intervention database

I read this in the Australian
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,22684837-12377,00.html

PARTIES involved in a legal challenge against key elements of the
Federal Government's Northern Territory intervention appeared at the
High Court today.

Lawyers have filed a statement of claim on behalf of the Bawinanga
Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) and Reggie Wurrdjal, a traditional owner
in Maningrida.

Maningrida is one of 73 remote NT communities the commonwealth took
over under five-year leases as part of the government's radical plan
to stamp out child abuse.

Lawyers for the applicant and the Government appeared at the High
Court, in Melbourne today, for the first directions hearing.

Justice Kenneth Hayne granted lawyers for BAC and Mr Wurrdjal time to
file an amended statement of claim and adjourned the matter for a
further directions hearing on December 3.

He told the parties that if they could resolve issues concerning
agreed facts in the case, the High Court may be able to hear the
matter in March.

Lawyers for BAC and Mr Wurrdjal argue the Commonwealth's acquisition
is illegal because the takeover will not deliver compensation to
landowners on "just terms", as required by the Australian constitution.

The case also challenges the constitutional validity of scrapping the
permit system and the commonwealth's power to acquire the assets of
Aboriginal corporations.