The Native Title Amendment (Reform) Bill 2011 was introduced by Greens Senator Rachel Siewart, who in her second reading speech said that ‘In nearly two decades since (the Act’s) introduction, only a handful of native title claims have been resolved.'
The Explanatory Memorandum to the Bill notes it is intended to address two key areas in the interests of native title claimants:
• The barriers claimants face in making the case for a determination of native title rights and interests; and
• Procedural issues relating to the future act regime.
The Amendment also includes a requirement that the Australian government ‘take all necessary steps to implement’ various principles set out in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.