This department provides the government with legal and legal-policy advice on native title. We also assist the Attorney-General to administer the Native Title Act 1993 (Cwlth).
What is native title?
In 1992, the High Court of Australia handed down its decision in Mabo (No. 2). The court recognised that the Meriam people of the Torres Strait held native title over part of their traditional lands. The court found that the common law of Australia recognises rights and interests to land held by indigenous people under their traditional laws and customs.
The source of native title rights and interests is the traditional laws and customs of the native title holders. This means that the nature of native title rights and interests varies from community to community.
Following the decision in Mabo No.2, the government enacted the Native Title Act 1993 which commenced on 1 January 1994. The Act has a number of functions. It creates processes through which native title can be recognised and protected.
For more information, visit the National Native Title Tribunal website.
Native title and land rights
There are fundamental differences between land rights and native title. Land rights are rights created by the Australian, state or territory government. Land rights usually comprise of a grant of freehold or perpetual lease title to Indigenous Australians.
By contrast, native title arises as a result of the recognition, under Australian common law, of pre-existing Indigenous rights and interests according to traditional laws and customs. Native title is not a grant or right created by governments.
Native title respondents
This department provides assistance to respondents involved in native title claims under section 213A of the Native Title Act 1993. More information can be found on the respondent funding page.
Native title representative bodies and prescribed bodies corporate
The parts of the Native Title Act 1993 relating to native title representative bodies and prescribed bodies corporate are administered by the Minister for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
For more information, visit the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs website.