Promoting economic and social development through Native Title

This paper considers how the Native Titles system might operate more effectively to assist traditional owner groups in realising their goals for economic and social development. It relies on human rights principles to build a framework for economic and social development. This framework integrates ethical principles, such as equality and respect for Indigenous culture, with the economic and social factors that determine how well Indigenous people live in their communities. Applying this framework to Native Title negotiations and agreement-making, the paper proposes principles to redirect the focus of the parties towards the economic and social development goals of the traditional owner group. The paper is based on consultation, research and analysis contained in the Native Title Report 2003.