Native title claims
The following information should be used as a guide only and is subject to change.
About native title
Native title describes the rights and interests of Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islanders under their traditional laws and customs.
In the 1992 Mabo decision, the High Court held that the common law of Australia recognised a form of native title
In 1993, the Australian Government passed the Native Title Act to recognise and protect these rights and interests. Each state and territory then introduced their own laws to fit under this Act.
How to make a native title claim
It's a good idea to get legal help for your native title claim. Native title can take a long time to sort out and can be quite difficult.
If you want to try to have your native title recognised, contact your Native Title Representative Body.
The Yarralang Story shows you how the native title claim process works and what is involved in making an application.
Can the government help me with my claim?
The Federal Court and High Court of Australia make decisions about native title.
When you make a native title claim with the Federal Court you are starting a legal proceeding that involves the Queensland Government.
This means the Queensland Government cannot help you with your claim as we are responsible for coordinating the state's response to native title claims.
Native title representative bodies have been established to help native title holders with their claims.
