| NAIDOC Week, this year exploring the theme “Advance Australia Fair?”, is an opportunity to look at the challenges and achievements of native title, President of the National Native Title Tribunal, Graeme Neate, said today.
Speaking at a NAIDOC event hosted by the Department of Natural Resources and Water in Toowoomba, south-east Queensland, Mr Neate said the key challenge was to overcome obstacles and reach fair and enduring native title outcomes tailored to local circumstances.
“In the 16 years since the High Court’s historic Mabo decision of 1992, native title claimants, governments, mining companies, fishermen, pastoralists and other parties across Australia have succeeded in reaching 337 registered indigenous land use agreements and 77 determinations that recognise native title over large areas of land and waters,” he said.
“However there are currently 504 claimant applications on foot around Australia and the Tribunal predicts it will take about 30 years to resolve these and further expected applications, unless significant changes are made.”
Mr Neate welcomed recent statements by Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland encouraging parties to reach broader agreements that respect everyone’s rights and interests, rather than getting bogged down in the technicalities of proving native title.
“The attitude of the parties has a great impact on outcomes to native title claims. Much can be achieved when parties are willing to negotiate and approach one another with open minds,” he said. “The effectiveness of the system depends on the performance of the participants - each participant must be appropriately resourced and work cooperatively with others in order for the system to function properly.
“Much has been achieved under native title laws for many groups around Australia, but there are significant obstacles to overcome and challenges ahead.
“The foundations have been set, the law clarified, and experience and precedents are there to use. Much more can be achieved if we build on this and work together in cooperation to achieve just and enduring outcomes,” Mr Neate said. |