The National Native Title Tribunal is the statutory authority that registers native title claims, mediates agreements about native title claims and land issues, and occasionally arbitrates between parties who cannot reach agreement. It is not a court and does not decide whether native title exists or not – it simply brings people together so they can explore ways to reach agreements about native title.
The Tribunal works with all parties involved in the native title process to develop an understanding of native title and reach enduring outcomes and offers a range of professional services to people involved in the native title process.
The Tribunal has specialist expertise in:
- the mediation of native title claims
- cross-cultural mediation and dispute resolution
- assisting parties to negotiate legally binding agreements that resolve a variety of native title issues
- mapping the country
- interpreting native title law
- communicating with a range of audiences around the country.
It can also provide parties with information to assist them in making well informed decisions about their options in the native title process.
The Tribunal is an independent source of information and assistance for everyone involved in native title and the wider public. Councils can request assistance from the National Native Title Tribunal at any stage in their negotiations. It has offices in Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Freecall 1800 640 501 or go to the web site at www.nntt.gov.au
Publications about native title and Local Government
- Working Out Agreements: A practical guide to agreements between local government and Indigenous Australians, Prepared by the Australian Local Government Association in cooperation with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission, 1998.
- Working with Native Title: A practical guide for local government, Australian Local Government Association and ATSIC (as above)
- Working with Native Title: Linking native title and council processes, ALGA and ATSIC (as above)
Copies of these publications are available through the Australian Local Government Association, phone (02) 628 11211, or visit the web site at www.alga.asn.au
