Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Mick Gooda, presents the 2015 Mabo lecture.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Mick Gooda, advised the ‘next generation’ of native title issues are due to hit native title holders during the annual Mabo Lecture at the 2015 National Native Title Conference.
Excerpts from Mr Gooda's speech.
“Today I want to talk about how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can be the leaders to grasp new opportunities that will leave a legacy for generations to come,” Mr Gooda said.
“We all know about the legacy of native title left by Meriam and Murray Islanders Edward Koiki Mabo, David Passi and James Rice. Their hard fought battle against the Queensland government finally consigned the lie of terra nullius to the historical dustbin and recognised the unique rights that we hold as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to our traditional land and waters.
“Despite the fact that the challenge of gaining native title is still a fight that many of us share, there has been a shift in focus now and we have started to see a gradual change in terms of ownership. That nearly a third of our land mass is Indigenous owned is testament to this. And that shift is the move to the next emerging challenge; how do we maximise these rights to their full potential, now that we have our native title recognized?
“It is clear that we have seen a change in momentum as far as this space is concerned. The ‘next generation’ of native title issues are due to hit us shortly through processes such as litigation regarding ILUAs, variations to determinations and compensation proceedings.
“Overwhelmingly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have indicated that it is time for a new process of engagement to occur with the government on the topic of our rights after native title.
“It is clear that the current system has not delivered what had initially been intended to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
“Friends we are the First Peoples of this country and we are the oldest living culture in the world because of our ability to adapt to ever changing environments and circumstances.
“Twenty three years after the Mabo decision we are going through another adaption as we talk about how we can start to enjoy the benefits that come from land ownership in the same way that is open to all other Australians, without compromising our unique rights as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Read the full speech.
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