Sourcing information

The National Native Title Tribunal maintains official registers of native title applications, determinations and indigenous land use agreements.

The Tribunal can provide information from these registers and up to date statistics on native title applications, future act applications, registration test and future act decisions. We can also provide background information on native title law and the claim resolution process.

The Federal Court of Australia has a supervisory role over the native title process and can also provide information on native title applications.

Public notices

Every native title application and applications to mine, explore or develop land where native title might exist goes through a public notification period when the application is advertised in national, metropolitan and regional papers. People with a relevant interest in the application area have three months to respond.

Information about Federal Court hearings is published in major metropolitan papers on the day of the hearing.

Hearings and mediation conferences

Tribunal mediation conferences are confidential and only open to registered parties. The Tribunal will not divulge details of the mediation but will occasionally make public statements on progress.

The Tribunal hearings into future act matters are public hearings. For more details, contact the Tribunal's media unit.

Federal Court hearings are generally open to media although protocols for media attendance in court apply.