Native Title

Native Title describes the rights and interests held by Aboriginal peoples or Torres Strait Islanders that originates from their traditional laws and customs. Native title cannot be granted, sold or obtained, rather, it may be recognised by a determination from the Federal Court.  

We are committed to meeting our statutory obligations under both the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and the Native Title (Queensland) Act 1993 and, where possible, comply with the state's preferred position of non-extinguishment. As a government agency, we have a responsibility of assessing native title for each and every land and resource dealing we undertake. By assessing native title, we ensure that native title parties are able to exercise any native title rights and interests over areas where those rights and interests continue to exist.  

We have developed a Native Title Policy that ensures our activities and operations are consistent with the statutory 'Duty of Care' requirements of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and the whole-of-government work procedures, produced and administered by the Department of Resources.  

Our Native Title Unit undertakes assessments for the majority of districts in accordance with the work procedures and is responsible for managing and developing our policy and work instructions.