Performance information and planned level of achievement, 2005–2006

The National Native Title Tribunal works with people to develop an understanding of native title and reach enduring native title and related outcomes that recognise rights and interests in land and waters, in accordance with the Native Title Act 1993 (the Act).

The Tribunal's performance is measured by outputs that are directly derived from the processes and obligations set out in the Act.

Changes to outcome and outputs

The Tribunal has a new outcome and outputs framework which came into effect on 1 July 2005. The new framework more clearly reflects the purpose of the Tribunal and its changed operating environment. It also introduces more measures to assess the quality of the Tribunal's work, particularly in the area of agreement-making.

An outcome statement is a description of an agency's goal and the purpose for which it is funded from the annual budget. The new statement, 'Resolution of native title issues over land and waters', better identifies the role and responsibilities of the Tribunal than the previous outcome statement 'Recognition and protection of native title'.

Many participants in the native title process come away from mediation and negotiation with satisfactory agreements that do not result in formal native title outcomes such as a determination or an indigenous land use agreement. Nevertheless, their native title issues are resolved.

The outputs refer to services provided and results achieved in order to reach the outcome. The new structure has three output groups:
  • stakeholder and community relations
  • agreement-making
  • decisions.
For further information, see 'Section 3: Agency outcomes' on page 404 of the National Native Title Tribunal Portfolio Budget Statement 2005–2006.

For information about the current updating period see the Portfolio Budget Statement 2006–2007.

For definitions of specific native title words and terms see the Glossary.