About Us

The Office of Native Title was established in February 2002, in response to recommendations arising from a "Review of the Native Title Claim Process in Western Australia" (Wand Review).

The Review called for a well resourced agency with the authority to coordinate a whole of Government response to the resolution of native title matters.

The Office of Native Title which employs around 35 staff, was incorporated into the Department of the Attorney General in July 2009.

Its primary objectives are:

• To resolve native title determination applications and native title compensation applications by agreement;
• To resolve native title matters in accordance with the requirements of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and relevant case law;
• To ensure valid "future acts", that minimise the extinguishment or impairment of native title and minimise the State's exposure to compensation liability;
• To develop, implement and monitor policies, procedures and practices across Government that ensure native title matters are administered efficiently and consistently;
• To conclude agreements that deal in a comprehensive way with the determination of native title, compensation and arrangements for future acts; and
• To negotiate and participate in the implementation of project agreements.

Native title settlement packages, future act agreements and major policy initiatives are submitted by the Department for approval by the Attorney General, Hon Christian Porter MLA, before they are put to Cabinet for formal endorsement.

Last Updated: 5-Nov-2009

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     Review of the Native Title Claim Process in Western Australia

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