The Native Title Act of 1993 gave Australia's Aboriginal people a right to native title. It meant that parliament overturned the doctrine of terra nullius, which means "land belonging to no one", when translated literally. The Act was passed as a result the High Court's decision in Mabo v Queensland. The Act commenced operation on January 1, 1994.

As a result of the Act, Aboriginals can claim ownership over an area of land if they can establish a continuous spiritual link with the land. Native title is said to be extinguished if the area is not Crown land (owned by a government), or if the land is already in use.

The Act aslo established the National Native Title Tribunal.

External links

• NATIVE TITLE ACT 1993

native title | Australian legislation | Indigenous Australian politics