KJ Statement in response to the JYAC Newsletter Article, August 2024
In an article in the August 2024 newsletter published by Jamukurnu Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC), JYAC advised that they were withdrawing permission for KJ Rangers to continue working on Martu country.
This decision potentially impacts over 520 Martu that were employed by KJ last financial year and jeopardise approximately $4 million per year flowing into Martu communities.
It is unfortunate that JYAC has chosen to go public with this dispute. The article contains several inaccurate statements that need to be addressed:
KJ is not a private company: KJ separated from JYAC’s predecessor WDLAC under the guidance and direction of the old people and Martu elders in 2009. KJ is an incorporated not-for-profit company, limited by guarantee. Under ASIC, KJ is regarded as a public company. We are a Martu organisation, established by Martu, for Martu, and accountable to Martu.
JYAC claims KJ must allow all Martu to have input into its work, not just KJ members: Many Martu who are not members of KJ regularly engage with our work. KJ board and community meetings are generally rotated around communities and open to other Martu to attend. KJ has always been inclusive of Martu voices beyond its members, and we operate with transparency, guided by our Martu board of directors.
JYAC states they need to know what KJ is doing and where we are working on country: Both Martu and non-Martu staff work hard to ensure that the right Martu are consulted for trips on country, and we actively share work across families and communities. To further strengthen transparency and communication, KJ proposed quarterly joint board meetings in the draft agreement with JYAC, to keep both organisations informed and aligned. JYAC has not accepted this proposal.
JYAC states they need access to KJ’s records to protect Martu native title and support their native title claim over Karlamilyi: Whenever JYAC has requested information for native title claims, KJ has fully cooperated. KJ has dedicated significant pro bono time and effort to gather and provide the necessary information. KJ’s information is owned by Martu and their families, and we operate under the guidance of our Martu board of directors, who decide how and when this information is shared. Our board believes strongly in protecting this information in the best interests of all Martu.
For the past 18 months, KJ has been actively working to formalise an agreement and has approached JYAC repeatedly for further board to board discussions. In addition, to try and help resolve the dispute, the State Government offered to support a mediation process. Unfortunately, JYAC declined this offer and instead sent a letter on 13 August 2024 to KJ stating that they were withdrawing from all negotiations.
This is causing unnecessary division and arguments among Martu families, which is distressing for the entire community.
KJ remains committed to finding a fair and respectful solution that serves the interests of both organisations, guided by our Martu directors and the vision of the old people.