Native title and Aboriginal land rights
We are recognised as leading practitioners on behalf of claimants and land councils in native title and land claim matters. Winning back peoples' rights in land has long been a reason for the firm's existence.
Native title
Our lawyers have substantial experience in relation to the conduct of native title matters.
We were
involved in the negotiation and drafting of the Native Title Bill, the
establishment of a number of native title service providers,
representation in most of the High Court's decisions on native title,
and the negotiation of some of the most significant agreements to be
achieved under native title processes. Our services include:
- Conducting both contested and mediated native title claims to final determination;
- Advising on NTRB and regional claims strategies;
- Intra-Indigenous mediation;
- Agreement negotiation and drafting;
- Sea and land claims; and
- Fishing and hunting rights, including criminal prosecution defence.
Aboriginal land rights
We have conducted
most of the land claim appeals under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983
(NSW). The success we achieved in these appeals has laid the
foundation for much of the land base now held by land councils in NSW.
We have also conducted claims under the Aboriginal Land Act 1991 (Qld).
Cultural heritage
Our lawyers have acted in some of the most
significant cultural heritage matters in the last few decades, including
Lake Victoria, Boobera Lagoon, and the Gregory River Bridge. We have
particular expertise in the cultural heritage laws of the Commonwealth,
NSW and Queensland.