Native title report

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner (2009)
Native title report 2008.
Sydney: Australian Human Rights Commission

This report, released annually by the Australian Human Rights Commission (previously the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission, HREOC) through the Office of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, reports on the operation of the Native Title Act 1993 and its effect on ‘the exercise and enjoyment of human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’.

The progress the government has made during the 2007-2008 reporting period in achieving rights and equality for Indigenous peoples is examined, together with how the government can complement its symbolic Apology with practical, beneficial changes to the native title system. Three important native title cases which before the courts during the 2007- 2008 reporting period are discussed.

This year’s native title report also includes the topical issues of climate change and water and includes two case studies to illustrate the potential impacts of climate change on the human rights of Torres Strait Islander people and the Indigenous people of the Murray-Darling Basin. A number of recommendations are included in the report, aimed at heightening the participation and engagement of Indigenous peoples in addressing these issues.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

• For further information:
  • View report (HTML)
  • View report (PDF – 3.8MB – large file warning!)
  • View report (Word)
  • View community guide: Social Justice and Native Title Reports 2008 (HTML)
  • View community guide: Social Justice and Native Title Reports 2008 (PDF – 932KB)
  • View community guide: Climate change, water and Indigenous knowledge (HTML)
  • View community guide: Climate change, water and Indigenous knowledge (PDF – 754KB)
  • View website: Australian Human Rights Commission
  • View website: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice
  • Reports show way forward for new partnership between government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
    View media release:  Australian Human Rights Commission (30 April 2009)
  • Climate change: risks and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
    View media release:  Australian Human Rights Commission (30 April 2009)
  • Working together in new partnerships will set new agenda for Indigenous Australia and build a stronger nation
    View media release: Australian Human Rights Commission (4 May 2009)
  • Calma optimistic on progress since apology
    View media release: ABC News (4 May 2009)
  • Traditional lands at risk from climate change
    View media release: ABC news (4 May 2009)
• Contact details:
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice, Australian Human Rights Commission, GPO Box 5218, Sydney NSW 2001, ph: (02) 9284 9600; fax: (02) 9284 9611, email: paffairs@humanrights.gov.au