The McGowan Government has welcomed the introduction of the Native Title Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 (Cth) by the Federal Attorney-General, the Hon Christian Porter, last week and looks forward to its passage through Federal Parliament.
The Bill, which was initially introduced prior to the Federal election, contains a number of reforms to the Native Title Act which will create greater efficiency in the operation of the legislation.
The Bill has been subject to extensive consultation and has broad support across the native title sector.
Significant inclusions which support the McGowan Government’s commitment to agreement making with native title parties are the validation of s31 agreements which will provide long awaited certainty to agreements entered into between mining companies and native title parties.
Further, amendments extend to providing the ability for governments to agree with native title parties to disregard extinguishment of native title over national, state and territory parks, providing greater opportunities for joint recognition and management of the conservation estate.
Comments to be attributed to Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Wyatt:
“Native title is a constantly evolving area of Australian law as legal matters are tested in the courts, the Federal Native Title Act consequently needs amendment from time to time.
“The proposed amendments demonstrate the growing collaborative and bipartisan approach to native title reform in Australia and deserves the support of the Australian Parliament.”
