Reform

Working towards a reformed and improved native title system...

QSNTS’ reform agenda is to enhance the native title system and related matters to improve the social, cultural and economic sustainability of Traditional Owners.

The Native Title Act was intended to be beneficial legislation, with a strong preference for outcomes to be negotiated rather than litigated. For these outcomes to be achieved QSNTS believes there needs to be legislative and administrative reform.

  • Legislative changes include: reversing the onus of proof; disregarding extinguishment and streamlining the native title determination process.
  • Administrative changes include: exploring broader land settlements; alternative procedure regimes and enhancing the capacity of applicants to engage in the process.

QSNTS works in partnership with the National Native Title Council and other Native Title Representative Bodies and Service Providers advocating for positive change.

To view QSNTS submissions and speeches on reform, go to Publications.

Reform examples include:

  • Making submissions on legislative changes such as the Native Title Amendment Bill 2009 and the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2002 (Qld).
  • Addresses at conferences and forums such as the National Native Title Conference, Annual Native Title and Cultural Heritage Conference, Annual Negotiating Native Title Forum and the Judicial Conference of Australia Colloquium Dinner (for more information on these events go to News & Events).
  • CEO contributions to the Native Title Report produced by the Australian Human Rights Commission and submissions prepared by the National Native Title Council.
  • CEO involvement in the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies’ Native Title Research Advisory Committee, the Indigenous Leaders Dialogue on the Minerals Council of Australia and the Queensland Native Title Liaison Committee (for more information go to Links).
  • Advocating for the inclusion and protection of native title rights and Indigenous interests with Queensland government policy through submitting discussion papers on matters such as the State Rural Leasehold Land Strategy- Delbessie Agreement (go to Publications).