Funding of the Native Title System
Commonwealth Offer of Financial Assistance in Broader Land Settlements
At the Native Title Ministers' Meeting held on 18 July 2008, Ministers agreed to negotiate in good faith about a Commonwealth offer of financial assistance to States and Territories for certain native title costs.
The Commonwealth has held ongoing discussions about a revised offer through the Joint Working Group on Indigenous Land Settlements and significant progress has been made towards the final form of a native title National Partnership Agreement. The Commonwealth will continue to engage with the States and Territories through the Joint Working Group to explore funding options to underpin a draft Agreement in the future.
As agreed at the 2009 Native Title Ministers’ Meeting, the Attorney-General and Minister Macklin reported out-of-session on 29 October 2009, informing State ministers of the steps the Commonwealth is taking to ensure a coordinated approach to identifying existing Commonwealth programs and resources that may support native title settlements. The Commonwealth has appointed a Director of Native Title Settlements to identify and coordinate access to relevant Commonwealth programs and resources.
Financial Assistance by the Attorney-General in Native Title Cases
The Attorney-General's Department also administers financial assistance schemes for non-native title holders who may become parties in native title proceedings. For information on financial assistance schemes, please contact the Financial Assistance Section of the Department on 02 6141 4770 or visit the Financial Assistance Internet page.
Native Title Representative Bodies
Native title representative bodies are funded to assist Indigenous Australians in relation to native title matters. Further information is available from the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.
If you have any issues downloading any of the documents on this page, please contact:
Native Title Unit
Social Inclusion Division
Attorney-General's Department
3-5 National Circuit
BARTON ACT 2600
Email: native.title@ag.gov.au