The National PBC Funding and Training Guide brings together information about funding opportunities, programs, services and other resources for Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), also known as Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBCs).

The Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBC) Summary document provides a national overview of RNTBCs, who are more commonly referred to as Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs).

What's New in Native Title for February 2017.

What's New in Native Title for January 2017.

What's New in Native Title for December 2016.

Native Title Newsletter for December 2016

What's New in Native Title for November 2016.

What's New in Native Title for October 2016.

What's New in Native Title for September 2016.

What's New in Native Title for August 2016.

Native Title Newsletter for August 2016

What's New in Native Title for July 2016.

Native Title in the News for July 2016.

This book, Noongar people, Noongar land, arose from the protracted struggle of the Indigenous Noongar people of the South West of Western Australia to gain recognition of their native title rights and interests under the Australian federal government’s Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA).

This book, Noongar people, Noongar land, arose from the protracted struggle of the Indigenous Noongar people of the South West of Western Australia to gain recognition of their native title rights and interests under the Australian federal government’s Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA).

This paper argues that weak links are being made between increasing opportunities for economic development (including private home ownership) and the need for Indigenous land tenure reform.

This book, Noongar people, Noongar land, arose from the protracted struggle of the Indigenous Noongar people of the South West of Western Australia to gain recognition of their native title rights and interests under the Australian federal government’s Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA).

What's New in Native Title for June 2016

Native Title in the News for June 2016.

Native Title in the News for May 2016.

A large and profitable Indigenous heritage management industry has emerged in the wake of the resources boom of recent decades, with thousands of Indigenous heritage impact assessments conducted every year. Yet few governments have successfully reformed heritage laws to accommodate native title rights, and conflict over site destruction is regularly front page news.

The right to protect sites brings together a range of authors who explore native title and Indigenous heritage regimes around the country, and charts the history of advocacy and policy development, highlighting the successes, limitations, inequalities and opportunities of current arrangements.

A large and profitable Indigenous heritage management industry has emerged in the wake of the resources boom of recent decades, with thousands of Indigenous heritage impact assessments conducted every year. Yet few governments have successfully reformed heritage laws to accommodate native title rights, and conflict over site destruction is regularly front page news.

The right to protect sites brings together a range of authors who explore native title and Indigenous heritage regimes around the country, and charts the history of advocacy and policy development, highlighting the successes, limitations, inequalities and opportunities of current arrangements.

What's New in Native Title for May 2016

The Western Australia PBC Funding and Training Guide brings together information about funding opportunities, programs, services and other resources that may be useful to prescribed bodies corporate (PBCs), also known as registered native title bodies corporate (RNTBCs).

The Victoria PBC Funding and Training Guide brings together information about funding opportunities, programs, services and other resources that may be useful to prescribed bodies corporate (PBCs), also known as registered native title bodies corporate (RNTBCs).

The Native Title Information Handbook - National Overview provides a summary of resources and information relating to key areas of native title, including legislation and case law, government policies and procedures, and indigenous land use.

The New South Wales PBC Funding and Training Guide brings together information about funding opportunities, programs, services and other resources that may be useful to Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), also known as Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBCs).

The South Australia PBC Funding and Training Guide brings together information about funding opportunities, programs, services and other resources that may be useful to prescribed bodies corporate (PBCs), also known as registered native title bodies corporate (RNTBCs).

The Northern Territory PBC Funding and Training Guide brings together information about funding opportunities, programs, services and other resources that may be useful to Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), also known as Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBCs).

Native Title Newsletter for April 2016

Native Title in the News for April 2016.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community governance can be greatly impacted by the nature of the land tenure held or managed by the community. 

Native Title in the News for March 2016.

What's New in Native Title for March 2016

Native Title in the News for February 2016.

What's New in Native Title for February 2016

Native Title in the News for January 2016.

What's New in Native Title for January 2016

Native Title in the News for November 2015.

What's New in Native Title for December 2015

Native Title Newsletter for December 2015

Native Title in the News for November 2015.

What's New in Native Title for November 2015

This report details the ways several Indigenous communities from around Australia are implementing their rights and interests following the restitution of their land and sea territories. Initiatives discussed throughout the workshop included the development of Indigenous commercial enterprises, the establishment of Indigenous protected areas (IPAs), traditional use of marine resource agreements (TUMRAs), and Indigenous land use agreements (ILUAs), as well as the integration of traditional and contemporary knowledge, tools and frameworks to achieve group aspirations for the ways country is managed.

What's New in Native Title - September 2015

Native Title in the News - September 2015

What's New in Native Title - September 2015

Native Title in the News for August 2015.

What's New in Native Title for August 2015

One of the key aspirations of native title holders is the ability to independently make decisions about and take care of country. This aspiration is often realised through collaborative management arrangements such as joint management. For many native title groups, joint management is often the only substantive land management outcome, yet there has been little research into either its planning process or its drivers.

A compilation of all native title sector-related coverage in the news in June and July 2015. 

Native Title in the News for April 2015.

An account of new ideas and approaches for teaching native title anthropology.

While gender and age are often noted as being important dimensions of Indigenous leadership and governance, they have rarely been examined in detail. This paper focuses specifically on the gender and age of directors on the boards of prescribed bodies corporate (PBCs), the corporations established to hold and/or manage native title rights and interests.

Native Title in the News for March 2015.

This paper re-visits the supposed rift and complexities between environmentalists and indigenous people — 'green' and 'black', both internationally and in Australia. The author writes about Greenpeace's international experience of working with indigenous people in the Americas and the sub-Arctic, and looks at the underlying dynamics that can contribute to disputes  between Australian Indigenous people and environmentalists.

Explore how expert conference and concurrent evidence can greatly reduce the hearing times and costs of Native Title proceedings. It discusses the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people in four recent cases.

AIATSIS' response to the Australian Law Reform Commission's review into the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) highlights the primary underlying principle that Indigenous peoples have a right to own and inherit their traditional territories; to make decisions about, and benefit from, their traditional territories and resources; as well as to maintain their culture.

In 2011, the Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department commissioned researchers from the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Studies (AIATSIS) to conduct research and analysis and make recommendations to inform the development of a Commonwealth policy on the assessment of native title �connection’ in consent determinations

Analyses the law in proving native title claims. This discussion paper provides a guide for both claimants and governments regarding flexibility within the law for consent determinations.

Looks at the history of Indigenous health in relation to foraging and 'farming' in the remote regions of Australia. This discussion paper focuses on Cape York in remote northern Australia, and the community of Lockhart River in particular, to outline the historical and contemporary factors that have undermined, and continue to undermine, the contribution of horticulture to improving Aboriginal health.

The AIATSIS submission to the State Development, Infrastructure and Industry Committee in its inquiry into the Regional Planning Interests Bill 2013 (the Bill) provides comments in our capacity as the leading proponent of legal and policy research in the native title sector.

A bibliography on Indigenous land management in Australia

Discover the role of songs and ceremonies as evidence in land claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and the Native Title Act 1993.

This discussion paper considers the co-management arrangements of protected areas by the Australian and state governments, and Indigenous involvement in managing the environment. It suggests the most successful ways to co-manage are likely to be the result of both legal and administrative structures.

What does it actually mean to live with native title? Through seven case studies, this book presents the experiences of native title holders and the corporations looking after their native title interests.

A group of eminent anthropologists present their ideas about social change and continuity, and apply them to the specific business of doing native title research and writing connection reports.

In this submission to the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee, AIATSIS discusses the Draft of Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill 2012.

In this submission to the Attorney-General, AIATSIS comments on the exposure draft: Proposed amendments to the Native Title Act 1993.

This paper argues that the judgement for the Mabo case may have been discriminatory and suggests that Native Title law should be reformed to recognise Indigenous people's full and beneficial ownership of their land where it has not been extinguished.

The report of a 2012 workshop in Alice Springs where government staff working in joint management shared information about their approach and identified practical issues in developing a community of practice.

A report into the implications of native title for weed management; the weed management priorities of native title holders; and the opportunities and limitations, for native title holders, of the current weed institutions, policies and programs.

This submission to the Queensland Department of Environment and Resource management comments on the draft Naturally Queensland 2020 - Master Plan for protected areas, forests and wildlife, with a focus on opportunities for engaging and partnering with Indigenous peoples for managing protected areas.

A look at the link between land justice and constitutional change. It covers five areas for possible constitutional change and discusses the practical implications of Native Title.

This paper provides an overview of the challenges in making changes to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Australian Constitution. It examines the background to proposed changes, how the Constitution could be changed and how a referendum on this topic could be won.

This submission commences with a summary of AIATSIS’ recommendations to the Panel, before giving detailed consideration to specific proposals for reform. A separate section then considers the merits of particular combinations of proposed amendments. The submission ends with some comments on procedural issues.

Modelling the connection of native title claimants to their land in ways that fit the adversarial process of native title is a challenge for anthropologists. This book deals in particular with 'settled' Australia, where native title - as a form of justice and recognition for Indigenous peoples - has proved an especially frustrating experience.

This paper analyses the concept of society as an element of proof for Native Title and argues that framing Indigenous law with the legal norms of Western law has its problems. It features two case studies that offer potential for a new legal interpretation of society which is based on the views of native title claimants.

In this submission, AIATSIS provides input to the inquiry conducted by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Environment and the Arts into the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Bill 2011.

In 2010, the Native Title Act was amended to improve public housing on Native Title lands. Through an analysis of parliamentary submissions, this paper questions the effectiveness of and support for the changes.

A look at the use of genealogies in Indigenous land claims and the vexed questions that arise when the same genealogies figure in disputed and competing claims.

A critical but constructive analysis of some of the methodological and evaluative dilemmas facing native title anthropologists.

In this submission to the Attorney-General's Department, AIATSIS raises two key points. Firstly, despite the benefit that would be derived from the inclusion of this provision in the Act, a significant impediment still exists in s 47C(1)(c)(ii), which makes the operation of the provision optional. The provision should apply to all claims over areas of the relevant class. Secondly, this reform should be extended to all Crown land.

This discussion paper focuses on the process issues faced by groups claiming native title. It is based on interviews with people who have experience across a broad range of native title negotiations.

This discussion paper looks at the development of specific agreements, Indigenous governance, decision-making processes, respect for the status of traditional owners and government capacity to undertake comprehensive settlements.

In New Zealand tax law, �charitable’ status can now be claimed by Indigenous groups defined by family or blood connection. This paper ponders whether Australia should follow a similar path.

Compromised Jurisprudence has established itself as a well-priced and accessible introduction to the subject. Native title has dramatically altered the law and public policy in Australia. It has had a fundamental impact on social relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and the courts have played a central role in its development, and continue to do so.

Compromised Jurisprudence established itself as a well-priced and accessible introduction to the subject.Native title has dramatically altered the law and public policy in Australia. It has had a fundamental impact on social relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and the courts have played a central role in its development, and continue to do so. 

Native Title holders have a legislated right to negotiate over mining and other activities that take place on their land, but that right remains inherently difficult to enforce. Sarah Burnside argues the case for legislative change.

The legal case Tsilhqot’in Nation v British Columbia marked a departure in judicial thinking about �Aboriginal title’ in Canada. This paper explains its significance from both the Canadian and Australian perspectives.

Anthropologist Kingsley Palmer looks at the juncture of law and anthropology in Native Title cases, in particular how these disciplines use and understand the terms �community’ and �society’.

Evidence-based research and resources to support the development of more effective approaches to managing conflict involving Indigenous Australians.

This discussion paper investigates changes in policy of the Indigenous Land Corporation from its beginnings in 1995 to the present day. It covers its tighter control of application procedures and its shift in focus to to joint programs with other government agencies.

The successful Gunditjmara native title claim in the 1980s sits alongside other well-known benchmarks in Australian land rights history, such as the Gurindji (Wave Hill) walk-off and land claim which led to the development of land rights legislation in the Northern Territory. This is the Gunditjmara’s story.

This paper features two case studies from Cape York and the effective design and operation of Prescribed Body Corporates relating to native title.  It follows on from previous publications on the practical aspects of native title and Indigenous land ownership.

Chief Judge Joe Williams, appointed to the Maori Land Court in 1999, talks about transitional justice and reflects on what is common in the Indigenous stories of both Australia and New Zealand.

This paper sets out the attempts by Queensland South Native Title Services (QSNTS) to assist Traditional Owners to secure, at least, some recognition through the development and implementation of its Legal Services Strategic Plan (LSSP). It raises a number of best practice issues in authorising and progressing native title claims, identifies some of the issues that emerged in the implementation of the LSSP and examines the land summit processes, which were an integral part of the LSSP and which took place at Mitchell in October 2005 and Roma in June 2006.

This paper examines the agreement-making environment that surrounds native title, whether triggered and governed by the operation of the NTA or more broadly arising in a native title context. This includes the legal framework for acts directly affecting native title, the types of agreements being reached and how those agreements are structured. It then addresses the taxation treatments that might apply to native title and explores the complexity and ambiguity that arises in the intersection of two of Australia’s most intricate legal regimes.

For Indigenous Australians, the enormous global problem of climate change is also an opportunity to use traditional knowledge of country in environment based commerce. Author Emily Gerrard explores this challenging dichotomy as well as possible legal redress for damage and loss caused by climate change.

This paper focuses on the historical context of the 2007 amendments to the Native Title Act and the court's response to the legislative changes. It also looks at the how court and the National Native Title Tribunal will continue to function cooperatively within their respective spheres.

A discussion of the relevance of the Native Title statutory framework to ethnographic research. It explores the kind of evidence relevent to anthropologists when researching Native Title claims.

A review of Indigenous governance issues and Prescribed Bodies Corporates (PBCs) within the Native Title context. It includes Federal Government reforms and policy recommendations designed to support more efficient PBCs.

This paper examines the court's treatment of Division 5 Part 2 of the Native Title Act 1993 as it relates to criteria for determining extinguishment.

This paper examines the role of anthropology in relation to Native Title and how anthropologists can contribute to the process. It looks at the process, its demands and what anthropologists can offer as experts.

This paper focuses on the amendments to the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (Northern Territory) 1976 concerning communal title — especially the proposed privatisation of areas of Aboriginal land and the opposition to this proposal.

A scenario that looks at the need for negotiating a framework for decision-making and dispute management in native title. It raises the practical issues of negotiating this framework including contingency plans.

This paper looks at the gains made from the Wotjobaluk Native Title Consent Agreement 2005. It considers it in the context of Indigenous land justice in the twenty-first century and argues that this case may well be another act of dispossession.

This paper examines the basis for the court's finding in the Native Title claim made by the Bardi Jawi people In Western Australia in 1995. It presents possible alternatives that may have been open to the court.

Good decision-making and effective dispute management are essential skills for both Indigenous people and communities and those who work with them. This resource has been developed to provide useful, easy to read, up-to-date training information primarily to NTRBs.

This paper tracks the debate surrounding wealth creation on communally owned Indigenous land. It identifies questions on issues of social organisation, not just economics and politics.

The Native Title Act emphasises agreement-making through non-adversarial approaches such as mediation, facilitation and negotiation. This report is an overview of two workshops with native title mediators co-ordinated by the AIATSIS Indigenous Facilitation and Mediation Project in 2005.

An examination of competing meanings of Aboriginal human rights and interests as they may be interpreted under the Native Title Act 1993 and in the  mediation process. 

In this forensic look at the law governing named applicants in Native Title cases, Dr Strelein examines the decision in Bolton v WA [2004] FCA 260 against a backdrop of similar cases. 

A discussion of the issues in managing Indigenous decision-making and disputes over land. It includes the need for localised approaches to making decisions that are in keeping with the needs of Indigenous communities. It also looks at alternative dispute resolution and the consideration of culture as part of the negotiating process.

Via a detailed examination of the case law, Daniel Lavery unpacks the complex task of determining that the people in a Native Title claim group are the 'right people for country'.

The Native Title Act emphasises agreement-making through non-adversarial approaches such as mediation, facilitation and negotiation. This report summarises the priority areas and recommendations for further research that came from the first workshops of the AIATSIS Indigenous Facilitation and Mediation Project.

An anthropological perspective on writing for the court, dealing in particular with expert reports that adhere to the Evidence Act (Cth) 1995 and the importance of anthropologists properly understanding Native Title law

Former commissioner Bill Jonas canvasses the benefits of applying human rights principles to Native Title negotiations and agreement making.

A preliminary paper outlining the conduct and procedures of the AIATSIS Indigenous Facilitation and Mediation Project.

In questioning the policy of �practical reconciliation’, John Borrows proffers the alternative of �practical recolonisation’, whereby Indigenous Australians would reclaim the land and political power wrested from them through colonisation.

A discussion on the issues around Australian agreements due to disappointment with the processes and outcomes of Native Title litigation. It suggests there is value in a more comprehensive approach to making agreements between Indigenous peoples and the state.

This paper considers the value of identifying both the positive and negative outcomes that Native Title agreements have on Indigenous people. It focuses on agreements between Indigenous groups and mining companies.

John Basten goes beyond Yorta Yorta to look at the question of connection and the principles governing extinguishment and offers some suggestions for future initiatives and directions. 

A North American perspective on the interface between Indigenous law and western legal frameworks.

Proving continuity of connection to country is vital for winning Native Title, yet for millennia Aboriginal people have led mobile lives. Here Dr Veth asks: if temporary �abandonment’ of country in the past did not break down the social institutions for maintenance of connection, why should it do so now?

The decision of the High Court in the Yorta Yorta appeal confirms the enormous gap between the aspirations of Indigenous peoples and the capacity of Native Title to fulfil them. Dr Strelein ponders proof of native title, in particular for Aboriginal people in the more settled regions of Australia.

A discussion of the South Australian Statewide Framework Agreement, which regulates how new property rights and development activities operate with regard to Native Title in South Australia.

Two perspectives on the Nharnuwangga, Wajarri and Ngarla Native Title settlement.

Using Yorta Yorta as his case study, anthropologist James Weiner looks at contrasting and conflicting ways of defining what Indigenous â€?continuity with country’ is today.