Getting started

Australian law recognises native title as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights and interests in land and waters, held in accordance with their traditional laws and customs.

Native title assessments

A native title assessment is the process by which the state identifies whether native title continues to exist over particular land or waters. If it does exist, we can then plan the next steps to follow to carry out a land or resource dealing.

These work procedures are used by all Queensland Government departments and agencies to ensure native title is properly addressed before undertaking land and resource dealings.

What is a dealing?

Dealings are planned activities that impact land or water. Examples include:

• granting a lease
• granting a commercial fishing licence
• constructing a public work on a reserve
• creating a national park management plan.

How to use the native title works procedures and decision tools

The native title work procedures are divided into modules:

• module AA begins with identifying:
  • the planned activity (dealing)
  • the proposed area that will be affected by the activity
• modules AB – CB include preliminary questions to help you identify the terms of the activity and the nature of native title impacts
• F – O cover specific circumstances for future activities you might be planning
• P – R cover rights and negotiations for Indigenous Land Use Agreement processes.

Most modules include:

• a description of the module's purpose
• training for the module
• the decision tool - a series of questions that will help you know what the next steps are for your proposed dealing.

Where to start

Begin your assessment with module AA and work through the rest of the modules one by one. The questions in each module will help determine whether:

• the module applies to your proposed dealing
• your proposed dealing will infringe on native title.

Start your assessment

You’ll be able to save your responses as a PDF at any point. You can:

• attach your responses as a PDF if you complete the assessment and need to submit your application for review to the native title policy unit
• keep a copy for your own records.

Training and resources

eLearning courses

Our interactive learning courses are available in each module to help you complete the assessment modules and understand the process.

These resources will provide a comprehensive online resource for all government officers who need to consider native title in their day-to-day work.

Introduction to native title

If you are new to native title assessment, make sure you complete the Introduction to native title eLearning course.

You should also familiarise yourself with:

• Glossary of terms (PDF, 138KB)
• Delegations and responsibilities (PDF, 83KB)
• Queensland native title representative bodies and areas (PDF, 111KB)

Queensland Native Title Information Management Environment (QNTIME)

The Queensland Native Title Information Management Environment (QNTIME) is the Queensland Government's information system for native title. It's managed and hosted by the Department of Resources.

QNTIME contains:

• information and spatial depictions of native title claims, determinations of native title and Indigenous land use agreements
• representative Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander bodies
• research into tenure and usage history
• conclusions of extinguishment and compulsory acquisitions of native title.

Access QNTIME

To gain access to the system, you must be employed by either a:

• Queensland Government state department
• corporation that's completely owned by the Queensland Government.

To register for an account, complete the Systems access request form on the Department of Resources Queensland Spatial Help Centre or call Data and Systems Support on 3330 4445.

More information

Contact your Native Title Contact Officer if you have questions about the procedures or other native title issues. If they can't help you, they will seek advice on your behalf from the Department of Resources.