Native Title
Posted 22 May 2006
- Determination of native title in and around Broome, Western Australia
- On 28 April 2006 the Federal Court of Australia made a determination in the long running native title application by the Rubibi Community over the town of Broome and its surrounds in the Kimberley region of WA. The determination brings to an end a case that has been running for more than ten years.
- » Read more about the Rubibi Community/Broome determination.
Resources
Dealing with native title is now another part of local government's responsibilities as land managers, decision makers and developers.
The Australian Local Government Association, in conjunction with the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT), the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) and the Federal Attorney-General's Department, has developed a number of information and training resources to assist local government in understanding its responsibilities arising from the recognition of Native Title by the common law of Australia and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
This website contains a range of resources designed to assist local councils in adopting a precautionary approach to native title.
- Checklists
- ALGA has prepared a series of two-page checklists for different positions or occupations in local government. Copies of the checklists are available from ALGA free of charge.
- Issues papers
- ALGA has prepared a series of seven issues papers exploring different aspects of native title that affect local government.
- Agreements database
- The University of Melbourne and the University of Technology Sydney have developed a very useful data base of agreements, treaties and negotiated settlements between Indigenous Australians and other stakeholders, including local governments.
- Cases
- The High Court of Australia's recent decisions and the implications for local government.
- Resources on the web
- A number of key agencies have some responsibility for different aspects of native title and many other organisations have information about native title matters on their websites.
Additional information
Additional resources on Native Title can be found on the ALGA web site under publications, including a practical guide to agreements between local government and Indigenous Australians and a brochure on linking native title and council processes.
For further information on how ALGA may be able to assist your council, contact ALGA or your state association.
