How Much Do You Really Know About Native Title?

1. The first successful Native Title application was won by...

Ernie Dingo

Eddie Mabo

Vincent Lingiari

The Wik people

None of the above

Eddie Mabo's appeal to the High Court of Australia resulted in recognition of the Meriam people as the traditional owners of their homelands. This landmark decision paved the way for the Native Title Act in 1993.

Explanation

Eddie Mabo's appeal to the High Court of Australia resulted in recognition of the Meriam people as the traditional owners of their homelands. This landmark decision paved the way for the Native Title Act in 1993.

2. Where can Native Title exist?

Anywhere in Australia

Only in places that aren't already built up, like on farms and in national parks

Only where Aboriginal people used to live

Terra Nullius

Where no-one else owns the land, but only if Aboriginal people can prove that they have passed down traditional laws and customs

Native title may only exist in areas where it has not been extinguished (removed), and where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can prove a continuing connection to land. Where native title rights and the rights of another person conflict, the rights of the other person always prevail.

Explanation

Native title may only exist in areas where it has not been extinguished (removed), and where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can prove a continuing connection to land. Where native title rights and the rights of another person conflict, the rights of the other person always prevail.

3. Choose the most correct answer. If a group is granted Native Title rights, that means...

That no one else can ever use that land.

Non-Indigenous people who were previously using that land will now have to pay rent.

That Indigenous people are automatically allowed to live on that land for free.

That Indigenous people cannot necessarily live on the land, but they can sell it, use it for traditional purposes, or tell other people how to use it.

None of the above.

Native Title does not necessarily confer any rights, but "may include possession, occupation, use and enjoyment of traditional country. It may include the right of access to an area of land or the right to participate in decisions concerning how the land or waters is used by other people. Any Native Title rights and interests are subject to other existing rights (e.g. freehold or leases), and those other rights take precedence over native title rights. For this reason native title rights will vary according to the rights of other people in the area claimed. Native Title cannot be bought or sold."
From http://www.ntsv.com.au/what/

Explanation

Native Title does not necessarily confer any rights, but "may include possession, occupation, use and enjoyment of traditional country. It may include the right of access to an area of land or the right to participate in decisions concerning how the land or waters is used by other people. Any Native Title rights and interests are subject to other existing rights (e.g. freehold or leases), and those other rights take precedence over native title rights. For this reason native title rights will vary according to the rights of other people in the area claimed. Native Title cannot be bought or sold."
From http://www.ntsv.com.au/what/

4. What percentage of Victoria has been successfully claimed under Native Title?

As at 30 June 2008 native title was determined to exist in part, over 1,725.7 km2 of Victoria. This amounts to 0.76% of Victoria’s total land area, and 14% of the total area over which determinations have been made. These Native Title rights are non exclusive; they are subject to restrictions imposed by government.

Explanation

As at 30 June 2008 native title was determined to exist in part, over 1,725.7 km2 of Victoria. This amounts to 0.76% of Victoria’s total land area, and 14% of the total area over which determinations have been made. These Native Title rights are non exclusive; they are subject to restrictions imposed by government.

Submit