Stated purpose:
The purpose of this Bill is to recognise the Noongar people as the traditional owners of the Noongar lands.
Native title implications:
Practically, this Bill forms part of the settlement of the native title claims made by the Noongar people in the South West of the State. The Noongar people are made up of a number of different groups. The settlement agreement includes six Indigenous Land Use Agreements, each relating to a different area and is made with groups composed of particular groups in the Noongar nation.
The Bill also recognises the special relationship that the Noongar people have with their lands and the significant contribution that they have made, are making and will continue to make to the State’s heritage, cultural identity, community and economy.
The Act includes a statement from the Noongar people describing their relationship with their lands. The boundaries of their territory are outlined in Schedules 2 and 3 of the Bill.
For further information, please see the Explanatory memorandum and Second reading speech.