Native Title
In this period, the Commission has undertaken research towards the development of the next Native Title
report, as specified under section 209 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and section 46C of the Australian
Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth).
This work has contributed to elevating the voices of First Nations women and communities by listening
and sharing their experiences navigating the multifaceted and challenging native title legislative and policy
context. In doing so, the Commission is breaking down the complexity of the system and presenting policy
makers and civil society with a better understanding of First Nations peoples’ lived realities and day to day
struggles with native title. The report aims to be tabled in the Parliament by the end of 2021.
The data collection involved online interviews and in-depth conversations with First Nations women, and
professionals working with native title across Australia, as well as a targeted online survey and a
submissions process. This collection of data is limited to specifically targeted individuals in native title
processes with diverse experiences across different sectors and locations within Australia. It creates a
valuable opportunity to reach key voices with experience in the native title system and facilitate meaningful
and genuine engagement.
In May 2021, Commissioner Oscar advocated for the importance of this process at the Australian Institute of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) Summit, stating that the native title system needs to
better accommodate First Nations systems of governance and decision making, prioritising the needs of
communities over Western frameworks. This recommendation, along with the personal experiences of First
Nations peoples and professionals working with native title is anticipated to be published in the report.
Annual Report 2020–2021
Australian Human Rights Commission
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