Native title studies centre to aid resolution of claims in northern Queensland 

The President of the National Native Title Tribunal has welcomed the establishment of a centre of excellence in native title law studies at Queensland's James Cook University, describing it as an important contribution to the social and economic development of North Queensland.

'The Tribunal is pleased to be contributing to the Centre which has been launched on this auspicious day - the tenth anniversary of the High Court's Mabo decision,' Tribunal President Mr Graeme Neate said.

The Tribunal is contributing $50,000 a year for five years to the new Cairns-based Centre for Native Title Studies. The Queensland Government has made the same financial commitment.

Housed within the JCU's School of Law, the centre will undertake multi-disciplinary research into native title law and its impact upon Northern Australia, draw together Indigenous representative bodies and professional organisations working in native title in the area and provide information to communities about native title.

'North Queensland is an area where native title is a fact of life for all people who live there,' Mr Neate said. 'This centre will provide practical learning and skills development opportunities to enable communities to resolve their native title issues.'

The Tribunal's Cairns office is responsible for the management of 75 of the 189 claims for determination of native title in Queensland.

'Ten years after the Mabo judgment, we have come a long way in recognising and respecting the native title rights of Indigenous Australians. People want to know how to reach agreements and make sure that they work in their localities. The new centre will help to develop people's understanding,' Mr Neate said.