Attorney-General Philip Ruddock today announced details of the Government's reforms to improve the resolution of native title claims.
The reforms are aimed at promoting better communication and coordination between the Federal Court and the National Native Title Tribunal which would facilitate more timely resolution of claims. They include giving the NNTT additional powers to more effectively mediate native title matters.
The move arises out of the Government's response to the Native Title Claims Resolution Review, an independent review conducted by Mr Graham Hiley QC and Dr Ken Levy into the process of resolving native title claims.
The independent review was established as part of the Australian Government's package of six inter-related reforms to the native title system announced in September 2005.
Mr Ruddock today released the report of the review along with the Government's response.
"The Government has accepted the majority of the recommendations made in the review. These changes will enable the Court and the NNTT to work together to more effectively resolve native title claims," Mr Ruddock said.
"The focus is on creating a more effective process for everyone in the native title system.''
National Native Title Tribunal President Graeme Neate said the reforms recognised a need for improved communication and co-ordination between the court and the Tribunal.
"The changes to the claims resolution process have the potential for positive outcomes to be reached by agreement more quickly and at less cost," he said.
Amendments to the Native Title Act 1993 arising from the Review are likely to be introduced later this year, along with legislation which will give effect to other elements of the reforms.
