Gaining momentum: Victoria under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act

Over a four year period from 2006 to 2010 Victorian Traditional Owners successfully developed and negotiated an alternative framework for settling native title claims in Victoria. The conclusion of these efforts saw the commencement of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) in September 2010. The Act provides a framework for negotiating an out-of-court settlement of native title for a Traditional Owner group without the need for the lengthy and costly processes that are usually required under the Native Title Act. It enables Traditional Owners to enter into agreements with the Victorian State Government to achieve comprehensive settlement of claims with real and lasting benefits such as the grant of freehold land, joint management of public lands and the foundation for sustainable economic development. This panel reviews the history of this milestone achievement and the benefits and opportunities of working under the Settlement ACT.