Friday, March 29, 2024

Pilbara decision adds to WA record of Native Title determinations: Buti

Recent stories

The Hon. Tony Buti, Aboriginal Affairs Minister (WA), Media Release, 1 September 2022

The Yinhawangka and the Jurruru Native Title holders have been formally recognised as Traditional Owners after the Federal Court endorsed a determination of Native Title for about 3,423 square kilometres of land in the Pilbara.

The outcome follows litigation and extensive negotiations between the groups with the assistance of the Federal Court. The determination was made with the consent of all parties, including the Western Australian Government.

This determination marks the 134th Native Title determination in WA, with over 85 per cent of the State now covered by Native Title determinations equating to a total of 2,157,903 square kilometres. 

The determination also marks the 70th Native Title determination since 2017, highlighting the strong commitment by the WA Government towards resolving Native Title matters by agreement or consent.

Native Title is one way of supporting self-determination and empowerment of Aboriginal people, and deliver economic, social and cultural benefits to Aboriginal communities.

Comments attributed to Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti:

“This determination adds to the WA Government’s record of actively resolving Native Title by agreement or consent, with the total number of determinations having more than doubled in WA since 2017.

“More than 85 per cent of the State is now covered by Native Title determinations, which represents more than 50 per cent of all Native Title determinations in Australia.

“The WA Government looks forward to continuing to build an enduring relationship with the Traditional Owners in the determination area, the Yinhawangka People and the Jurruru People.”

KEEP IN TOUCH

Sign up for updates from Australian Rural & Regional News

Manage your subscription

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.