Aborigines and Pastoralism in North-Western Australia: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives on Multiple Use of the Rangelands.

Abstract

I examine aspects of land-use in the north-west Northern Territory by Aboriginal hunter-gatherers and white pastoralists since the early twentieth century. A case study of Legune Station and Marralam Outstation highlights issues of general relevance to those areas of rangelands where pastoralism and huntinglgathering coexist and compete. The historical record indicates that, contrary to widely held views, many aspects of Aboriginal relations to land were maintained throughout the pastoral period. In effect, multiple use has been a reality since contact, and in the wake of the Mabo debate will continue to be an issue for the next century. I argue that policy and bureaucratic frameworks, both past and present, fail to deal with this cross-cultural reality. There are both ethical imperatives and land management advantages in recognising Aborigines as stakeholders in decisions about the future of the rangelands.