Submission to the Inquiry into the Native Title Amendment (Reform) Bill 2011

The Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) welcomes the opportunity to provide submissions on the very important matters regarding the operation of the Native Title Act 1993 (NTA) that are addressed in the Bill before the Parliament. 

AIATSIS has been integrally involved in debates over reform to the NTA, in particular the problems associated with the requirements and burden of proof. Through events such as the annual National Native Title Conference, AIATSIS has promoted informed discussion and debate on the NTA and its ability to fulfill the objectives set out in the preamble, to recognise and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples to their traditional lands.

This submission addresses the proposed amendments according to their item numbers in the Bill and Explanatory Memorandum. The submissions are based on over 15 years of research and practice by AIATSIS researchers in the native title sphere.