Looks like Groote Eylandt is in good hands...from the NT...

Looks like Groote Eylandt is in good hands...from the NT newspaper.

"TRADITIONAL owners on Groote Eylandt may miss out on $1.4 million in royalties because the only person who can sign off on the money is in remand for assault.

Magistrate Daynor Trigg refused bail this week for the director of the Amarungkwurra Aboriginal Corporation, Laban Wurrawilya, who has been charged with aggravated assault on a woman on Groote Eylandt.

"There is $1.4 million worth of funds that need to be distributed before Christmas," said his lawyer, Iva Ninkovic. She said Mr Wurrawilya was the corporation's only signatory and needed to go to an ANZ bank to transfer the money.

"It will cause substantial hardship in the community at large," Ms Ninkovic said.

Amarungkwurra Aboriginal Corporation runs shops and receives mining royalties. It was set up to assist those living on Groote Eylandt and surrounding islands.

Mr Trigg was not convinced Mr Wurrawilya was the only signatory.

"What if he was run over? It would be inherently dangerous bordering on stupid - it does not make any sense," he said.

Mr Trigg refused bail and the matter was adjourned."