Section 60AAA of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) is a new provision introduced by the Native Title Legislation Amendment Act 2021 which gives the Tribunal power to assist in dispute management and resolution at the request of native title holders and Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBCs / PBCs).

60AAA Assistance in relation to registered native title bodies corporate​

(1) A registered native title body corporate may request the NNTT to provide assistance in promoting agreement about matters relating to native title or the operation of this Act between:

(a) the registered native title body corporate and another registered native title body corporate; or

(b) the registered native title body corporate and one or more common law holders; or

(c) common law holders.

(2) A common law holder may request the NNTT to provide assistance in promoting agreement about matters relating to native title or the operation of this Act between:

(a) the common law holder and the registered native title body corporate; or

(b) the common law holder, the registered native title body corporate and one or more other common law holders.

(3) The NNTT may enter into an agreement with a registered native title body corporate or common law holder or both under which either or both of them are liable to pay the Commonwealth for assistance under subsection (1) or (2).

(4) The NNTT must not use or disclose information to which it has had access only because it provided assistance under subsection (1) or (2) for any purpose other than providing that assistance without the prior consent of the person who provided the NNTT with the information.

If you are seeking assistance from the NNTT in relation to a native title dispute, please read the factsheet How the NNTT can help you resolve a dispute​ (PDF, 1.17MB)​.

The NNTT's post determination assistance process is illustrated in the NNTT's Dispute Resolution Infographic (PDF, 959 KB)​