Native Title Act (Australia)

The Native Title Act, established in Australia in 1993, recognizes the rights of Indigenous Australians to their traditional lands and waters. It was created following a landmark High Court decision in the Mabo case, which acknowledged the concept of native title, meaning that Indigenous people can claim rights to land based on their historical connection to it. The Act provides a framework for these claims, allowing Indigenous communities to negotiate land use and compensation with the government and other parties, thereby helping to protect their cultural heritage and ensure their voices are heard in land management decisions.