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# The Mabo Centre

Empowering First Nations Leadership on Country

## Posts

### [Towards a First Nations critical minerals strategy: A moment in time](https://mabocentre.com/2026/07/09/towards-a-first-nations-critical-minerals-strategy-a-moment-in-time/)

**Published:** July 9, 2026
**Author:** Mizuki Takahashi

**Content:**

Published 7 July, 2026 by Jyi Lawton

Australia stands at one of the most significant economic crossroads in its modern history.

The global race for critical minerals is reshaping international trade, defence alliances and manufacturing supply chains, positioning Australia as one of the world’s most strategically important suppliers. Governments are moving quickly to secure the minerals essential for batteries, renewable energy, defence technologies and advanced manufacturing. Yet one question has remained largely unanswered: what does this mean for the First Nations people whose Country holds much of the resource underpinning this new economy?

For two days on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country in Naarm (Melbourne), Traditional Owners from across Australia, Indigenous organisations, government agencies, industry representatives, financiers, legal experts and researchers came together to begin answering that question.

Convened by the Mabo Centre in partnership with [AEMEE](https://aemee.org.au/ "AEMEE") and the [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/ "National Native Title Council"), the Towards an Australian First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy Symposium represented one of the first coordinated national conversations focused entirely on ensuring First Nations people help shape Australia’s critical minerals future.

The symposium was established in response to a clear gap. While Australia has released a Critical Minerals Strategy, and the [Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade](https://www.dfat.gov.au/ "Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade") has developed its Critical Minerals Prospectus to attract global investment, First Nations perspectives have been largely absent from those national policy settings despite the significant overlap between critical mineral deposits and Traditional Owner Country.

The symposium, expertly coordinated by Brian Bero and the team at The Mabo Centre, brought together an extraordinary cross-section of voices from across Australia. Leon Filewood skilfully moderated the two-day program, guiding discussions that balanced technical expertise with the lived experiences, rights and aspirations of Traditional Owners.

Bero noted “that First Nations communities require targeted support, and symposiums like this are much needed to address information gaps, and bring awareness to issues that impact First Nations groups and businesses to allow them to make informed decisions on how they can meaningfully participate in the critical minerals sector”.

Opening the symposium, [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/ "National Native Title Council") CEO Jamie Lowe set the tone for the discussions ahead, highlighting that more than 80 per cent of Australia’s identified critical mineral deposits occur on land where native title has either been determined or where native title rights and interests are currently claimed.

That statistic changes the conversation.

![Conference room with a speaker at a lectern presenting to a large group around round tables and screens displaying slides at the front.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1782737006649-1024x576.jpg "1782737006649 – The Mabo Centre")At the 2026 Towards an Australian First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy SymposiumIf Australia is serious about becoming a global critical minerals leader, then Traditional Owners are central to that future. Their rights, aspirations and economic interests cannot be considered after policy has been developed or projects have been designed. They must help shape both from the outset.

The symposium also reinforced that critical minerals present a fundamentally different opportunity to previous mining booms.

Unlike traditional hard rock commodities, critical minerals sit at the intersection of geopolitics, national security, defence, advanced manufacturing and increasingly complex global supply chains. Countries including Australia, the United States, Canada, Japan and nations across Europe are investing heavily to diversify supply chains, strengthen sovereign capability and reduce reliance on concentrated global processing markets.

This is no longer simply a mining conversation, it is an economic, industrial and strategic conversation.

Importantly, discussions extended well beyond exploration and extraction. Participants examined the opportunities that exist across the entire critical minerals value chain, from exploration and mining through to processing, refining, manufacturing, logistics, engineering, technology, environmental services, mine closure and the circular economy.

As Australia works towards greater sovereign capability in processing, refining and advanced manufacturing, there is an opportunity to ensure First Nations businesses and Traditional Owner groups are positioned across every stage of that value chain.

The symposium built on discussions that have been gathering momentum over the past year through my keynote at the Aboriginal Economic Development Forum hosted by the Northern Territory Indigenous Business Network (NTIBN) in Darwin in 2025 and the 2025 AEMEE Conference in Darwin, where I argued that Australia’s critical minerals future must also become a First Nations economic future.

Traditional Owner leaders including Michael Woodley, CEO of [Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation](https://yindjibarndi.com.au/our-nation/ "Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation"), and Matt Burns, CEO of the [Taungurung Land and Waters Council](https://taungurung.com.au/ "Taungurung Land and Waters Council") shared practical perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing their communities.

Woodley captured the opportunity better than anyone.

“This is an incredible opportunity for us. We can look back to go forward. We can look back on the iron ore boom in the Pilbara in the ’60s and say, what would we have done differently? Then put all of that into place for critical minerals.”

His words resonated throughout the symposium.

Australia has a rare opportunity to learn from previous resource booms and ensure this generation builds a different economic legacy, one where Traditional Owners are positioned as business owners, investors and long-term partners from the beginning.

![Team in a conference room reviewing notes on large sheets of paper taped to a glass wall, cityscape outside the window.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1782736984668-2-1024x768.jpg "1782736984668 – The Mabo Centre")At the 2026 Towards an Australian First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy SymposiumTony McAvoy SC outlined the current legislative landscape, including the[ Australian Law Reform Commission](https://www.alrc.gov.au/ " Australian Law Reform Commission")‘s review of the Native Title Act, and explored opportunities for future reform that could strengthen outcomes for Traditional Owners as critical minerals projects accelerate.

One of the strongest themes emerging from the symposium was capital.

Ownership and equity remain ambitions for many Traditional Owner groups, but access to capital continues to be one of the greatest barriers.

Darren Godwell, Chair of [Indigenous Business Australia](https://www.iba.gov.au/ "Indigenous Business Australia"), challenged participants to consider how Traditional Owner groups can utilise existing investment vehicles while also exploring mergers, acquisitions and other commercial pathways to secure meaningful equity positions in projects.

Darren Chong from the[ Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility](https://www.naif.gov.au/ " Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility") and Alex Burns, Traditional Owner Economic Lead at [ANZ](https://www.anz.com.au/personal/ "ANZ"), shared practical perspectives on the financing mechanisms and investment pathways required to support greater Indigenous ownership and equity in major projects.

International experience added another important dimension.

Saga Williams from Canada’s[ First Nations Major Projects Coalition](https://fnmpc.ca/ " First Nations Major Projects Coalition") outlined Canada’s ten-year journey towards establishing the government-backed Indigenous Loan Guarantee Program that is now unlocking major First Nations investments in nationally significant infrastructure projects. While the Program took a decade to establish, it has become one of the most important mechanisms for enabling Indigenous equity and ownership across Canada’s major projects.

Williams also shared the Coalition’s critical minerals toolkits, providing valuable reference material as Australia begins developing its own First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy.

The symposium also heard from representatives of the [Commonwealth Critical Minerals Office](https://www.industry.gov.au/mining-oil-and-gas/minerals/critical-minerals/critical-minerals-office "Commonwealth Critical Minerals Office"),[ Geoscience Australia](https://www.ga.gov.au/ " Geoscience Australia"), [CSIRO](https://www.csiro.au/ "CSIRO") and the [First Nations Clean Energy Network](https://www.firstnationscleanenergy.org.au/ "First Nations Clean Energy Network"), reflecting the breadth of expertise required to develop a national strategy.

This ambition is also beginning to take shape through the newly established[ Critical Metals for Critical Industries CRC](https://www.cmcicrc.com/ " Critical Metals for Critical Industries CRC") (CMCI CRC), of which [AEMEE](https://aemee.org.au/ "AEMEE") is a founding partner. The CMCI CRC has been established to accelerate Australia’s sovereign capability across the critical metals value chain, providing another opportunity to ensure First Nations interests are embedded alongside research, innovation, commercialisation and industry development from the outset.

For[ AEMEE](https://aemee.org.au/ " AEMEE"), these discussions are closely aligned with why the organisation was established more than twenty years ago.

Australia’s resources sector contributes more than $400 billion annually to the national economy. Across[ AEMEE](https://aemee.org.au/ " AEMEE")‘s national Indigenous Business Network, member businesses collectively generate approximately $1.3 billion in annual turnover. That represents around 0.3 per cent of the sector’s annual value and demonstrates both the progress Indigenous enterprise has made and the significant opportunity that remains to grow Indigenous market share across Australia’s largest industry.

Since[ AEMEE](https://aemee.org.au/ " AEMEE") was established in 2005, our vision has remained simple: Indigenous businesses and Traditional Owners should share in the economic opportunities created from the resources on their own Country.

Critical minerals provide Australia with an opportunity to rethink Indigenous economic development.

If Australia is serious about building sovereign capability across exploration, extraction, processing, refining and manufacturing, First Nations people must be part of that journey from the beginning. The opportunity will increase Indigenous market share in mining, while also creating enduring Indigenous ownership, commercial leadership and wealth creation across the entire critical minerals value chain.

The next stage of this work will bring together the themes identified across the two days to inform the development of an Australian First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy. The objective is to ensure future policy, legislation and investment settings better reflect the rights, aspirations and economic opportunities of First Nations people.

Capital pathways will remain central to that work because aspirations for ownership and equity require practical financing mechanisms that enable Traditional Owner groups to invest alongside industry.

The conversations held over two days in Naarm were about far more than critical minerals.

They were about whether Australia chooses to repeat the economic patterns of the past, or whether this generation becomes the one that finally places First Nations people at the centre of the nation’s next great resources opportunity.

The foundations have now been laid.

The challenge ahead is to translate those discussions into practical policy, investment pathways and meaningful action.

If we get this right, Australia’s critical minerals story will not simply be about supplying the world with the minerals needed for existing and developing technologies including those related to the clean energy transition. It will become a story of First Nations leadership, ownership and long-term prosperity built on Country.

Jyi Lawton is the Chief Executive Officer of [AEMEE](https://aemee.org.au/ "AEMEE").

 ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4694e4bab675061ee3c45cb2bc69fc0aceaf203f2f522224bd43eb7bc76b5188?s=300&d=mm&r=g) 

 Mizuki Takahashi 

 [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/mizuki-takahashi/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/mizuki-takahashi/)

**Categories:** In the News

---

### [Towards an Australian First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy](https://mabocentre.com/2026/06/17/towards-an-australian-first-nations-critical-minerals-strategy/)

**Published:** June 17, 2026
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

**The Mabo Centre, in partnership with the [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/) (NNTC) and [Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining, Energy and Exploration](https://www.aemee.org.au/) (AEMEE), invites you to discuss First Nations rights, equity, and leadership in critical minerals projects at** ***Towards an Australian First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy.***

Australia is a key producer of several critical minerals likely to play a central role in the energy transition away from fossil fuels. Essential to manufacturing wind turbines, electric vehicles, solar panels, rechargeable batteries, and with tech and medical applications, global demand for critical minerals is expected to double by 2030.

With global demand surging, strong international interest in Australian critical mineral assets, and $1.2billion in Federal funds to create a Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve, there is an urgent need to ensure First Nations interests are not left behind in the new mining boom.

While it acknowledges benefit sharing with First Nations communities, the Australian government’s existing Critical Minerals Strategy currently sets no requirement for engaging with Traditional Owners in the development of critical minerals on their land.

This is your opportunity to work in collaboration with Traditional Owners, government, miners and producers to develop a First Nations strategy framework to ensure the rights and interests of First Nations communities are understood and respected, and the benefits of a growing critical mineral mining industry flow to First Nations communities.

If you are unable to attend in person, the symposium will also be livestreamed.

![Decorative purple segmented stripe on a dark background, pattern-like.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/UOM-TMC_CM-Body-Headers-900x200px_4-e1778564917450.png "UOM-TMC_CM-Body-Headers-900x200px_4 – The Mabo Centre")#### Register to attend

Help shape an Australian First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy, across two days. Visit the event page to view the full program, or register and join the discussion.

[Secure your place](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/towards-an-australian-first-nations-critical-minerals-strategy-tickets-1987873789015?aff=oddtdtcreator)

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** Events

---

### [Fulfilling the promise of Mabo: summary of the ALRC Report 144](https://mabocentre.com/2026/06/24/fulfilling-the-promise-of-mabo-summary-of-the-alrc-report-144/)

**Published:** June 24, 2026
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

On 24 June 2026, the Commonwealth Attorney-General tabled in Parliament the latest report of the Australian Law Reform Commission (the **ALRC**) titled “*Fulfilling the Promise of Mabo*: *Reforming the Future Acts Regime*” (the **Report**).

86 recommendations are made to reform the *Native Title Act 1993* (Cth) (the **NTA**) and associated legislation (the **Recommendations**). The ALRC’s inquiry was overseen by President Mordecai Bromberg and Anthony McAvoy SC, who was appointed as a part-time Commissioner.

On 17 and 18 August 2026, the Mabo Centre will host “*Fulfilling the Promise*”, a symposium bringing together the native title sector and other stakeholders to look at how the Reports and its Recommendations can be progressed. The symposium will be in Naarm, Melbourne. If you would like to attend, please contact .

This summary does not capture all of the details of the Report or Recommendations, which can be accessed here: [ALRC Report 144 – Final Report](https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Tabled_Documents/17004).

**Summary of the Recommendations of the ALRC**

The Recommendations commence at chapter 3 of the Report.

**Ch 3 – Future Act Agreement-Making** considers fairness, efficacy and equity in agreement-making, including:

- Introducing good faith conduct standards, developed in consultation with theNational Native Title Tribunal (the **NNTT**), requiring all parties negotiating any future act agreement to negotiate in good faith;
- Consolidating, clarifying and expanding the functions of the NNTT to assist parties in negotiating, implementing and resolving disputes under agreements;
- Amending the *Native Title (Prescribed Body Corporate) Regulations 1999* (Cth) to allow Prescribed Body Corporates (**PBC**s) to use standing instructions to enter into agreements, provided the future act does not extinguish native title; and
- Providing a streamlined way for PBCs to do business on their own land, without going through the normal future act procedures.

**Ch 4 – Future Act Agreement Content** looks at changes to the contents of future act agreements such as:

- Voiding clauses that limit or restrict how native title parties manage payments;
- Introducing model periodic review clauses in agreements;
- Clarifying how compensation is dealt with under ILUAs (s 24EB); and
- Tightening the “pass-on” compensation provisions so that liability sits with the relevant government if it is not reasonably practicable for the native title holders to recover from the relevant proponent.

**Ch 5 – Post-Agreement** recommends changes to the laws about how agreements operate after they are made, including the following:

- Improving access to and information about existing agreements and ILUAs; and
- Creating a process for the Courts to assist where there are disputed terms of an agreement, or where a native title party experiences substantial unfairness as a result of a pre-determination agreement.

**Ch 6 – Reshaping the Statutory Procedures: Impact-based scheme** looks at replacing the process for dealing with future acts through the creation of an impact-based scheme that is complaint with UNDRIP and non-discriminatory. It is noted that the recommendations in chapter 6 are complex and detailed and the below is a summary of some (but not all) of the proposed scheme. More information and discussion will be arranged by the Mabo Centre. Chapter 6 proposals include:

- Repealing ss 32 and 237 of the NTA to remove the expedited procedure;
- Creating five groups of future act categories (Groups A – E) each with different procedural rights under the impact-based scheme, whereby Group A is “assessed limited impact acts”, Group B is “assessed lower impact acts”, Group C is “negotiated lower impact acts”, Group D is “right to negotiate higher impact acts” and Group E is “equivalency future acts” (where affected native title parties have the same procedural rights as freehold title holders in the same circumstances);
- Recommending that categories of future acts cannot be included in Group A or Group B where they involve ‘major disturbance’ to land or waters, material impact on cultural rights and interests of native title parties, amongst others.
- Proposing the NNTT be empowered to identify the nature and scope of categories of future acts to be included in Group A or Group B, with a process of assessment undertaken in consultation with interested persons;
- Amending the NTA to provide that where a proponent has agreed to do something for a future act to becomes a condition of the future act.

**Ch 7 – Statutory Procedures: Alternative Reforms** recommends an alternative set of amendments to the impact-based scheme. Many of the proposals are technical and focused on clarifying or tightening the way the existing scheme operates. The proposed changes include:

- Repealing the laws in the NTA which provides for future acts concerning primary production;[\[1\]](#_ftn1)
- Creating a right to negotiate for water, where there is a proposed use of water over a certain limit;
- Providing native title parties with the same rights as ordinary title holders for all renewals, re-grants and extensions of non-native title rights and interests;
- Proposing ‘low impact future acts’ can only be done on determined native title where there is a ‘low impact agreement’ with the PBC for the act;
- Amending the expedited procedure to make it efficient and fairer for native title parties; and
- Amending the NTA so that the non-extinguishment principle applies to a greater number of future acts including the establishment or construction of public works.

**Ch 8 – Statutory Procedures: Ancillary reforms** recommends additional changes to the way future acts work, including:

- Introducing technical changes to the right to negotiate, including extending it to areas beyond the landward side of the high-water mark of the sea;
- Extending the time for native title applications to be made in relation to areas of a non-claimant application, and other changes to the non-claimant application process;
- Establishing a record of future act notices with the NNTT; and
- Creating a standard template for future act notices.

**Ch 9 – Right to Negotiate: Negotiations** recommends structural changes to the right to negotiate by:

- Creating a process for the native title party to bring an application to the NNTT for a determination that an act cannot be done;
- Creating a process for negotiating parties over a future act to apply to the NNTT for a determination of specific issues;
- Amending the future act determination application process to enable the NNTT to impose both financial and non-financial conditions in determining that an act can be done subject to conditions;
- Providing the NNTT with the capacity to mediate and conciliate agreements; and
- Creating stronger consequences for a failure to negotiate in good faith.

**Ch 10 – Right to Negotiate: Arbitration** extends changes to the right to negotiate process to the NNTT’s arbitration function. Recommendations include:

- Amending the s 39 criteria to prevent a decision by the NNTT that a future act can be done without an agreement, unless it can be satisfied that fair and just redress will remediate the impact or effect of the future act;
- Repealing s 38(2) to allow the NNTT to make conditions regarding the payments of profits made, income derived or things produced from the future act;
- Preventing a government party from issuing a notice relating to the same or substantially similar future act following a decision that a future act cannot be done without leave from the NTT or five years have passed; and
- Enabling the NNTT to refer matters to a private arbitrator, on the pre-condition that assistance with the NNTT has been first explored.

**Ch 11 – Statutory Obligations and Effective Remedies** recommends that the NTA clearly impose statutory obligations in respect of future acts and remedies when those obligations are not met, including:

- Creating an express obligation to comply with the procedural requirements in the regime;
- Detailing the consequences of non-compliance with the future acts regime, including that where there is a failure to comply with the validating conditions this will result in the relevant future act being invalid;
- Creating in the NTA a civil remedy regime to address non-compliance; and
- Introducing a ‘modified asymmetrical costs framework’[\[2\]](#_ftn2) for proceedings to enforce compliance with the future acts regime – meaning that a successful applicant would have their costs paid by the unsuccessful respondent.

**Ch 12 – Costs Recovery** recommends that there be costs recovery mechanism for PBCs to cover their costs in fulfilling their obligations under the future acts regime.

**Ch 13 – Native Title Plans** provides for ‘Native Title Plans’ as a voluntary self-determined pathway to validity for future acts and recommends the following:

- Making Native Title Plans the sole and mandatory pathway to validity in instances where the plan has been state government approved (unless there is an ILUA);
- Allowing for PBCs to develop Native Title Plans which may set out processes and conditions for how future acts are validated;
- Making Native Title Plans a form of certification for the purposes of confirming validity of a future act, lodged with the NNTT and maintained on a public record;
- Mandating Native Title Plans are approved by common law holders prior to being registered and subject to common law holder review every 5 years at a minimum); and
- Expanding the range of matters that Native Title Plans may deal with in a non-binding manner.

**Ch 14 – The Bigger Picture** recommends substantially increased funding for both PBCs and the NNTT, and that there be a requirement for NNTT appointments that there be lived experience through being, or working with and representing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

**ALRC Conclusions on the Operation of the *Native Title Act 1993* (Cth)**

In its Report, the ALRC concluded that the future acts regime:

- generally, does not provide adequate procedural or substantive rights or protections;[\[3\]](#_ftn3)
- has significantly failed to provide effective, timely, fair and just redress to native title holders;[\[4\]](#_ftn4)
- does not provide access to effective and fair compensation;[\[5\]](#_ftn5)
- is not only unfair and inequitable, but key aspects are discriminatory as native title holders are denied equality before the law. This is in breach of Australia’s international obligations and out of alignment with the *Racial Discrimination Act 1975* (Cth).[\[6\]](#_ftn6)
- validating pathways are inefficient, costly, can cause delay,“…*tend to encourage disengagement and disputes”* and are “*inflexible and unable to accommodate new and emerging industries… as well as best-practice approaches for delivering sustainable and empowering socio-economic outcomes for First Nations peoples”.*[\[7\]](#_ftn7)

The ALRC anticipates that the recommended reforms will address these problems by:[\[8\]](#_ftn8)

- creating increased opportunities for economic development and benefit-sharing;
- developing a future acts regime that is efficient and low cost;
- supports fair negotiations, promotes relationship building and facilitates equitable outcomes; and
- aligns with Australia’s international law obligations.

---

[\[1\]](#_ftnref1) *Native Title Act 1993* (Cth), pt 2, div 3, subdiv G.

[\[2\]](#_ftnref2) Modelled on similar changes to the Australian Human Rights Commission Act 1986 (Cth).

[\[3\]](#_ftnref3) Australian Law Reform Commission, *Fulfilling the Promise of Mabo: Reforming the Future Acts Regime* (Report No 144, March 2026), p 57 \[1.15\].

[\[4\]](#_ftnref4) Ibid \[1.19\].

[\[5\]](#_ftnref5) Ibid \[1.15\].

[\[6\]](#_ftnref6) Ibid \[1.17\].

[\[7\]](#_ftnref7) Ibid \[1.18\].

[\[8\]](#_ftnref8) Ibid \[1.22\].

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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### [Deciding loss: the McArthur River Compensation claim](https://mabocentre.com/2026/04/30/deciding-loss-the-mcarthur-river-compensation-claim/)

**Published:** April 30, 2026
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

Join us for a panel discussion on the McArthur River compensation claim and its implications for anthropology, law and Indigenous politics.

Presented by the [Centre for Native Title Anthropology](https://cnta.org.au/) in partnership with the Mabo Centre, this event will consider what the McArthur River compensation judgment means for the assessment of cultural loss, the future of native title compensation, and the relationship between anthropological evidence, legal reasoning, and Indigenous leadership and governance.

[Secure your spot](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/deciding-loss-the-mcarthur-river-compensation-claim-tickets-1987806736459?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Introduced by Mabo Centre Director [Professor Rodney Carter](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-rodney-carter/ "Professor Rodney Carter"), the panel will include reflections on the judgment from Sturt Glacken SC and Emeritus Professor David Trigger, as well as a contribution from Acting Senior Judicial Registrar for Native Title Laurelea McGregor on the procedural and institutional context in which native title compensation matters are managed. Professor Matthew Storey from the Mabo Centre will also speak on the rapidly developing area of native title compensation.

The discussion will be followed by audience Q&A.

This timely discussion will be of interest to anthropologists, lawyers, Traditional Owners, Indigenous organisations, public servants working in native title or Indigenous affairs, and students or recent graduates in anthropology and law.

For those unable to attend in person, a live-stream of the event will be available.

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** In the News

---

### [Celebrating Mabo Day](https://mabocentre.com/2026/06/04/celebrating-mabo-day/)

**Published:** June 4, 2026
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

On Mabo Day we honour the courage and strength of Eddie Koiki Mabo. The Centre had the privilege of hosting Kaleb Mabo for an event in celebration of Mabo Day this year.

Speaking about his grandfather’s legacy, Kaleb reminded us of the strength shown by Eddie Mabo in his fight for Indigenous land rights, and of our collective responsibility to continue to fight for greater land rights justice.

> ***“Today, when we speak of Mabo, we are not just speaking about the court case. We are speaking about courage, justice, the power of truth. Koiki ata showed us something powerful – one voice, grounded in truth, can challenge an entire system.***
> 
> 
> 
> ***The responsibility now sits with us all to continue listening, to continue learning, to continue to ensure that First Nations voices are not only heard, but lead, because the Mabo story is not finished.”***

Thank you to all who attended the event, asked thoughtful questions, and shared a meal with us. Thank you also to Kaleb for speaking with such deep conviction, and to Kristal West for sharing her vocal talents.

![Decorative purple segmented stripe on a dark background, pattern-like.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/UOM-TMC_CM-Body-Headers-900x200px_4-e1778564917450.png "UOM-TMC_CM-Body-Headers-900x200px_4 – The Mabo Centre")## Event gallery

![Two women in the foreground chat at a tropical-themed indoor event, with others in Hawaiian shirts and leis in the background.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-14-2-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-14 – The Mabo Centre")![Speaker at a podium gesturing with his hands, wearing glasses and a gray blazer; straw centerpiece with pink flowers in foreground.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-48-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-48 – The Mabo Centre")![Speaker at a podium on a stage with a large screen reading 'Celebrating Mabo Day' and a left-side poster about Mabo Day 2026; audience member in a colorful woven costume in the foreground.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-51-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-51 – The Mabo Centre")![Man in a red floral Hawaiian shirt speaks at a podium with a microphone; pink flowers in the foreground and a blurred sign reading 'THE MABO CENTRE' in the background.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-54-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-54 – The Mabo Centre")![Male speaker at a podium presenting, with a large projection behind showing 'The Struggle' and tropical imagery.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-75-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-75 – The Mabo Centre")![Audience of diverse adults seated on bleachers at an indoor event, many in bright tropical shirts, watching intently.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-78-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-78 – The Mabo Centre")![Man on a small stage making a dynamic gesture toward the audience, with equipment and a large banner on screen behind him.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-85-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-85 – The Mabo Centre")![Audience seated on tiered bleachers in a bright room, attentively watching a presentation or speaker off-camera, diverse ages and styles visible.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-102-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-102 – The Mabo Centre")![Female vocalist at a microphone on stage, with colorful stage lighting and other musicians blurred in the background.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-117-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-117 – The Mabo Centre")![Audience members seated in a row, some wearing Hawaiian shirts and leis, watching a performance or presentation attentively.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-124-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-124 – The Mabo Centre")![Smiling woman in a gray sweatshirt sits at a table decorated with bright tropical flowers.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-136-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-136 – The Mabo Centre")![Three adults chat and laugh at a casual indoor gathering; a man in a red Hawaiian shirt holds a drink in front of him, smiling broadly.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-27-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-27 – The Mabo Centre")![Conference room set for an event with vibrant tropical flower centerpieces on long tables and attendees in the background.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-8-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-8 – The Mabo Centre")![Two smiling coworkers in tropical shirts with badges posing indoors near a concrete pillar.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-30-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-30 – The Mabo Centre")![Close-up of a man with gray stubble and glasses in a black shirt, watching attentively with others wearing leis at an event.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-46-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-46 – The Mabo Centre")![Bearded man in a red floral shirt speaks at a podium with a microphone, pink flowers in the foreground and a blurred screen in the background.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-53-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-53 – The Mabo Centre")![Man in a light striped polo speaking at a podium with a microphone, blurred pink flowers in the foreground.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-71-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-71 – The Mabo Centre")![Male presenter wearing a light shirt raises his arm while speaking, with a large presentation slide behind him.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-83-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-83 – The Mabo Centre")![Group of people seated in a meeting; man with glasses gestures with his hands while speaking.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-104-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-104 – The Mabo Centre")![Female singer at a microphone on stage, hands raised, wearing a dark denim jacket and a colorful headband with purple lighting.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-118-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-118 – The Mabo Centre")![Two musicians performing onstage: a female singer at the microphone in front, with a guitarist playing in the background under colored lighting.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-121-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-121 – The Mabo Centre")![Smiling woman with glasses on her head wears a beige wrap at a floral event, with bright tropical flowers nearby.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-129-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-129 – The Mabo Centre")![People serve themselves at a buffet line with trays of noodles and vegetables in front of them.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-135-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-135 – The Mabo Centre")![Two women in bright tropical-print dresses chat at a table during a festive gathering with flower decor in the foreground and background.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-133-1-1024x683.jpg "Mabo Day Event 2026 Low Res-133 – The Mabo Centre")📸 *James Henry Photography*

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** In the News

---

### [Sharing our knowledge at AIATSIS Summit](https://mabocentre.com/2026/05/12/aiatsis-summit-2026/)

**Published:** May 12, 2026
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

The Mabo Centre is proud to sponsor the 2026 Mabo Lecture and participate in five days of knowledge-sharing and connection building at AIATSIS Summit.

The [AIATSIS ](https://aiatsis.gov.au/)Summit is one of Australia’s largest First Nations conferences, uniting Elders, leaders, and youth along with academics, legal experts, GLAM professionals and government representatives to collaborate on the issues that matter most to First Nations people.

This year’s theme of “Our Truth. Our Power. Our Future” speaks directly to the Mabo Centre’s mission to equip First Nations leaders with the resources and skills needed for economic self-determination and empowering future leaders. It pays tribute to the lived experience, strength, solidarity, and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

![Decorative purple segmented stripe on a dark background, pattern-like.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/UOM-TMC_CM-Body-Headers-900x200px_4-e1778564917450.png "UOM-TMC_CM-Body-Headers-900x200px_4 – The Mabo Centre")#### **From the Mabo Centre** – sharing our knowledge

This year, we are proud to have three representatives from the Mabo Centre to present and share their expertise on the sub-theme of *Rights, Recognition, and Representation*.

**Prof. Rodney Carter, Centre Director**

- *Translating Rights Theory to Working Reality – Introducing the Mabo Centre*; Thursday, June 4th, 2026, 11:00 AM

[Prof. Rodney Carter](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-rodney-carter/ "Professor Rodney Carter") is a descendant of Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta people, currently residing on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Central Victoria.

Prior to joining the Mabo Centre, Rodney was Group CEO of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) for over a decade and was a key Signatory and Claimant in negotiating the Dja Dja Wurrung people’s native title settlement in 2013, a landmark outcome under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010.

![](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mabo-Centre-Headshots-1x1-High-Res-21-1024x1024.jpg "Mabo Centre Headshots 1x1 High Res-21 – The Mabo Centre")

![Decorative purple segmented stripe on a dark background, pattern-like.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/UOM-TMC_CM-Body-Headers-900x200px_4-e1778564917450.png "UOM-TMC_CM-Body-Headers-900x200px_4 – The Mabo Centre")

![](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mabo-Centre-Headshots-3x2-High-Res-94-scaled-e1778564095153-1024x978.jpg "Mabo Centre Headshots 3x2 High Res-94 – The Mabo Centre")

**Prof. Matthew Storey, Centre Research Lea**d

- *Translating Rights Theory to Working Reality – Introducing the Mabo Centre*; Thursday, June 4th, 2026, 11:00 AM

- *In Deep Waters: the Struggle for Traditional Owner Rights in Offshore Waters – and Beyond*; Thursday, June 4th, 2026, 1:30 PM

Prof. Matthew Storey was born in Naarm, and lived in the Northern Territory for nearly 25 years.

Matthew is a lawyer and academic with qualifications in law, economics, and business. He has worked with and for Traditional Owners in the areas of native title and land rights, cultural heritage, business development and natural resource management for over 30 years. He has previously worked as CEO of First Nations Legal and Research service, Director of the Office of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, and as CEO of the National Native Title Council.

***Dr Scott Mackay, Centre Training Lead***

- *Training the native title sector: A Systems Approach*; Thursday, June 4th, 2026, 12:00 PM

Dr. Scott Mackay is a non-Indigenous man born in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Scott has spent over 15 years advocating for First Nations rights across Australia and the Pacific. He leads the training program focused on building capability and capacity of the Native Title Sector, Traditional Owners, and the government.

Scott holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne, where he has held various academic positions within its Australian Indigenous Studies program.

![Decorative purple segmented stripe on a dark background, pattern-like.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/UOM-TMC_CM-Body-Headers-900x200px_4-e1778564917450.png "UOM-TMC_CM-Body-Headers-900x200px_4 – The Mabo Centre")![](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mabo-Centre-Headshots-1x1-High-Res-6-1024x1024.jpg "Mabo Centre Headshots 1x1 High Res-6 – The Mabo Centre")

![Decorative purple segmented stripe on a dark background, pattern-like.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/UOM-TMC_CM-Body-Headers-900x200px_4-e1778564917450.png "UOM-TMC_CM-Body-Headers-900x200px_4 – The Mabo Centre")#### Find out more

Join us on 1st to 5th of June 2026 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. [Full program details here](https://aiatsis.gov.au/sites/default/files/2026-04/2026-aiatsis-summit-program-online-versionpdf.pdf).

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** Events

---

### [A legacy carried forward: honouring Eddie Koiki Mabo](https://mabocentre.com/2026/04/08/a-legacy-carried-forward-honouring-eddie-koiki-mabo/)

**Published:** April 8, 2026
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

*In early 2025 Kaleb Mabo, grandson of Eddie Koiki Mabo, visited the Mabo Centre. He has generously shared his reflections here.*

My visit to the Mabo Centre was both deeply personal and profoundly moving. As a grandson of the late Eddie Koiki Mabo, stepping into a space that honours my grandfather’s life and legacy carried a strong sense of pride, responsibility and reflection.

> **The Centre is not only a place of learning, but a space where our family history is held with respect and truth.**

It affirms that my grandfather’s legacy did not stand in isolation but was built upon strong family, cultural and community foundations. Presenting the story in a way that honours these connections reinforces the importance of community within the Mabo decision and supports the ongoing work of acknowledging and respecting this historic achievement.

> **Honouring Koiki Ata this way creates a space where our children and relatives can walk in, see their lineage recognised and understand the significance of their identity.**

This strengthens pride and responsibility not only within the Mabo family but the wider community. Reminding us that the legacy of those who paved the way continues through us all, transforming history from something archived into something lived and carried forward.

> **The Mabo Centre is poised to strengthen connections with Torres Strait Islander communities by centring Indigenous voices, cultural authority and self-determination.**

It reminds visitors that the Mabo decision was not just a legal moment but a cultural and spiritual affirmation of belonging to land.

As a descendant of Koiki Mabo, I see the Centre as a powerful step forward for Indigenous Australia. It supports truth‑telling, honours family, community and ensures that the Mabo legacy continues to inspire justice, recognition and hope for generations to come.

*– Kaleb Mabo*

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** In the News

---

### [Elevating First Nations human rights through industry standards schemes](https://mabocentre.com/2026/04/08/elevating-first-nations-human-rights-through-industry-standards-schemes/)

**Published:** April 8, 2026
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

Over two days, the Mabo Centre convened Traditional Owners, Indigenous business leaders, resources industry representatives, and investors to address some of the critical economic and human rights issues facing the resources sector at the **Resources Industry Standards Schemes Symposium**.

Hosted by the Mabo Centre in partnership with the [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/) (NNTC) and the [Minerals Council of Australia](https://minerals.org.au/) (MCA), attendees heard from Traditional Owners, Indigenous business leaders and resources industry representatives during discussions on the evolving landscape of resources industry standards schemes.

Conversations centred on the practical application of global frameworks protecting Indigenous human rights to enshrine self-determination in industry standards schemes, highlighting the growing influence of investors in shaping outcomes for First Nations communities while moving toward sustainable economic development.

#### **UNDRIP and industry standards schemes** 

As resource industry standards schemes evolve in response to cultural heritage considerations and address issues of risk, social license, and investor expectations, there is a growing need for industry to go beyond compliance in order to achieve greater credibility, transparency and alignment with international human rights and Indigenous rights frameworks such as the [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples](https://www.un.org/development/desa/Indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf) (UNDRIP).

Crucially, incorporating the rights of First Nations peoples into resource industry standards schemes calls for more meaningful engagement and genuine relationship building with First Nations communities on Country.

Including Indigenous voices in project planning supports more informed decision-making and ensures that standards schemes are created and implemented in line with both international human rights frameworks and community needs.

#### Industry standards schemes and economic self-determination 

Industry standards schemes are challenged to balance the interests of industry and the laws applicable to their operation with the rights of First Nations peoples. Ensuring First Nations representation in decision-making forums and respect for local autonomy and community authority can assist industry standards schemes to contribute to the economic self-determination of First Nations peoples and support aspirations for economic empowerment.

Moving forward, economic equity and partnership and access to capital are critical for First Nations communities to foster true self-determination through economic means.

#### Application of industry standards schemes 

Practical implementation and accessibility are highlighted as critical for the success of evolving resources industry standards schemes. While existing global human rights frameworks provide valuable guidance for the development of standards schemes, there is a clear need to make these frameworks accessible, scalable, and relevant at the local level.

Clear, practical guidelines for industry are essential to drive real change on the ground. Symposium attendees were introduced to some of the work being undertaken in this area, particularly where small-medium resources industry operators are concerned. And increasingly, investors are considering cultural heritage, social responsibility, and long-term relationships with First Nations communities when choosing where and how to invest.

#### Continuing the conversation

The Resources Industry Standards Schemes Symposium provided a starting point to continue important discussions on the intersection of human rights, First Nations economic self-determination, and resources industry standards schemes.

The Centre will continue to provide opportunities for Traditional Owners, Indigenous business leaders and industry representatives to convene and share knowledge and expertise.

#### Symposium partners and presenters 

The Mabo Centre thanks our partners [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/) (NNTC) and [Minerals Council of Australia](https://minerals.org.au/) for their support in hosting this symposium. The Centre also thanks all presenters from the NNTC, MCA, [Initiative for the Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)](https://responsiblemining.net/), [Consolidated Mining Standards Initiative](https://miningstandardinitiative.org/), [Towards Sustainable Mining](https://tsmining.com.au/), [Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Initiative](https://culturalheritage.org.au/about-the-initiative/), [Indigenous Business Australia](https://www.iba.gov.au/), [UN Global Compact](https://unglobalcompact.org.au/), and [CBUS](https://www.cbussuper.com.au/), as well as all panel members and attendees for their valuable contributions to these conversations about resources industry standards schemes.

The Centre acknowledges all Traditional Owners and their representatives who travelled from across this great land to Wurundjeri Country to share knowledge and expertise across the two days.

#### Stay connected 

Stay informed about future opportunities to convene and discuss critical human rights, economic, and industry issues. [Subscribe to the Mabo Centre newsletter](https://mabocentre.com/contact/) to receive updates on future events, insights, and opportunities to connect.

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** In the News

---

### [Secure your place at the Mabo Centre's next industry training seminar](https://mabocentre.com/2026/04/17/secure-your-place-at-the-mabo-centres-next-industry-training-seminar/)

**Published:** April 17, 2026
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

An introduction to land rights in Australia for practitioners engaged in land-related projects involving native title and (or) cultural heritage.

*Native Title and Indigenous Cultural Heritage Law – An Australian Perspective* provides an introduction to land rights in Australia, including the theory of native title, the native title future acts regime, and Indigenous cultural heritage law.

#### Event details

When: Thursday May 14, 2026 from 9am

Where: Parmelia Hilton, Boorloo (Perth) WA

[Secure your place](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/industry-training-seminar-native-title-and-cultural-heritage-law-tickets-1987363801629?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Attendees will finish the seminar confident that they will able to identify when a possible native or cultural heritage matter may exist and the general procedure around dealing with this. It will provide a solid knowledge base for participants to begin to engage with the often-complex case law, legislation, and accompanying regulatory requirements surrounding these topics.

The seminar includes an opportunity to participate in discussion with a senior Whadjuk Noongar Traditional Owner about how rights and responsibilities to culture and Country are enacted within statutory and regulatory environments.

Participants will be provided with take-home resources providing further information on topics covered during the seminar, referencing the examples and legislations mentioned. It will provide participants with a valuable resource for future reference.

Our aim is that participants will be able to return to their organisations equipped with both technical understanding and on-ground perspective, able to ensure compliance with legal requirements and better equipped to support the self-determination of Traditional Owners.

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** Events

---

### [Mabo Centre advances new era of native title and First Nations leadership](https://mabocentre.com/2025/03/03/mabo-centre-advances-new-era-of-native-title-and-first-nations-leadership/)

**Published:** March 3, 2025
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

## Launched today in Boorloo (Perth) Western Australia, the Mabo Centre is a newly formed First Nations-led partnership between the [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/) and [The University of Melbourne](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/).

The Mabo Centre will support Traditional Owner groups and First Nations organisations to enable better economic outcomes through [leveraging land and sea rights](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/land-and-sea-rights/). It aims to maximise the economic, social, and cultural benefits of these rights by building leadership skills and knowledge for successful agreement-making. The Mabo Centre will support First Nations youth to become community leaders and drive economic change in their communities.

As Co-Chair of the Mabo Centre and Chief Executive Officer of the National Native Title Council, Jamie Lowe reiterated the critical point Australia is at in recognition of rights affording new opportunities for Traditional Owners.

> “The Mabo decision was handed down 33 years ago, starting the recognition of native title in
> law. However as Traditional Owners, we have known for over 65,000 years that we have rights to
> Country. It’s time that native title met the needs of Traditional Owners and can continue to do so
> for generations.”

> “The Traditional Owner sector is rich with experience, knowledge and leadership but, as
> we know, those skills need to be supported so that they can create real economic value in
> communities. The Mabo Centre provides a pathway for considering those opportunities.”

Professor Marcia Langton, Co-Chair of the Mabo Centre and Associate Provost of the [University of Melbourne](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/), states that the Mabo Centre will be governed under a collaborative partnership model, bringing together the sector and academia to translate native title rights into economic prosperity.

> “The Mabo Centre was conceived after a long period of consultation through the National Native
> Title Council and its members, to understand the challenges and barriers to self-determination
> and economic prosperity through land and sea rights.”

> “A collaboration between partners underscores a shared commitment to enhancing First
> Nations-led economic development opportunities, an essential precursor in achieving broader
> social equity goals.”

[Read More](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mabo-Centre-Media-Statement_20250220.pdf)

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** Media Statements

---

### [In the name of Mabo, put royalties to work: new Mabo Centre’s reform push](https://mabocentre.com/2025/03/04/in-the-name-of-mabo-put-royalties-to-work-new-mabo-centres-reform-push/)

**Published:** March 4, 2025
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

## Billions in resource royalties could be unlocked from native title charitable trusts and used for Indigenous economic development projects across Australia’s north as part of ambitious reforms driven by the newly created Mabo Centre. 

Industry and traditional owner groups see the Mabo Centre as the right alliance to push for legal and policy changes to address “desperate economic and social need of remote and rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that is recognised across the political spectrum”. Iron ore giant [Rio Tinto](https://www.riotinto.com/en) supports the centre as a founding partner.

The centre will launch in Perth on Tuesday with the aim of finding ways around obstacles that prevent native title holders from creating wealth from their [land and sea rights](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/land-and-sea-rights/).

One priority is long-wanted changes to tax rules and other laws governing charitable trusts that hold royalties from massive mining and resource projects on behalf of traditional owners. How those trusts can be used is tightly constrained. The Mabo Centre will lobby for the creation of a vehicle that has charitable standing but is committed to undertake economic development activity. In return, the new body would be subject to much greater scrutiny than existing Aboriginal organisations under the umbrella of the [Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations](https://www.oric.gov.au/).

Mabo Centre co-chairs Marcia Langton, the esteemed Indigenous researcher and [University of Melbourne](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/) associate provost, [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/) chief executive Jamie Lowe, and Paul Kofman, dean of economics and finance at the University of Melbourne, will launch the Mabo Centre with artist Gail Mabo. Ms Mabo’s father, [Eddie Koiko Mabo](https://mabocentre.com/dr-eddie-koiki-mabos-legacy/ "Dr Eddie Koiki Mabo’s legacy"), was a gardener at James Cook University when he led the [High Court case](https://www.aph.gov.au/Visit_Parliament/Art/Stories_and_Histories/The_Mabo_decision) that resulted in the nation’s native title laws.

![](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/f125513be1731537b9382ae8e8df36d0_Marcia-Langton_In-the-name-of-Mabo.jpg "f125513be1731537b9382ae8e8df36d0_Marcia Langton_In the name of Mabo – The Mabo Centre")Professor Marcia Langton the co chair of the Mabo CentreProfessor Langton and Mr Lowe [write in an essay in The Australian](https://www.theaustralian.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=TAWEB_WRE170_a_GGL&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theaustralian.com.au%2Fnation%2Findigenous%2Fin-the-name-of-mabo-put-royalties-to-work-new-mabo-centres-reform-push%2Fnews-story%2F0a8f58eb3886c03f4569d9777ccf2790&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=GROUPA-Segment-2-NOSCORE) on Tuesday that some reforms are now overdue.

“After 32 years of native title, it’s time to bring about effective change in the administration of native title. Doing so will create an environment that improves the economic potential and status of traditional owners,” Professor Langton and Mr Lowe write.

“It is irrefutable that native title negotiations have led to the delivery of thousands of projects on native title land over several decades now. Despite this success, government and industry leaders remain ambivalent about the role and status of traditional owners and their organisations.

“This ambivalence is part of the cause of the desperate economic and social need of remote and rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that is recognised across the political spectrum. Gaps in life expectancy, wellbeing and economic status can be effectively addressed by some long-overdue reforms.”

Ms Mabo sees Western Australia as the right place to launch the Mabo Centre, given native title rights apply so broadly in the mining state. However, the [Mabo Centre’s research and work](https://mabocentre.com/focus-areas/) would benefit traditional owners across Australia.

“Through winning the case, Dad gave the right for all First Australians to celebrate those things we hold most dear to us,” Ms Mabo said. “To bring back our voices. To bring back our culture. To bring back strength to the proud people that we are.”

Ms Mabo told The Australian on Monday that she was now older than her father was when he died in 1992 aged 55. As she approaches her 60th birthday, she sometimes thinks about what his contribution might have been had he lived longer.

“I feel like I am just hitting my stride now. I know he would have done more,” she said.

It is one reason why she was happy for the Mabo Centre to take her father’s name and continue the work he started. She is a founding member of its advisory board.

The Mabo Centre’s third co-chair is Professor Kofman, a consultant for the European Options Exchange, the New York Board of Trade, Dutch investment banks and the Australian Office of Financial Markets. Professor Kofman is the Sidney Myer Chair of Commerce at the [University of Melbourne](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/). Supporters say the Mabo Centre brings intellectual heft and a much-needed co-ordinated approach to the reforms long understood to be necessary.

For example, industry groups such as the [Minerals Council of Australia](https://minerals.org.au/) and traditional owners represented by the [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/) agree that one way to unlock royalties money from native title trusts is to create a new category of corporation called an Indigenous Community Development Corporation. It would have charitable status but could take on commercial projects with the aim of lifting its Aboriginal members out of poverty and creating generational wealth.

The push for this reform comes as the Albanese government makes jobs and economic development the centre of its Indigenous affairs policy. There is bipartisan support for at least one of the economic measures unveiled by Indigenous Australians Minister Malarndirri McCarthy since she became minister last July – the expansion of the [commonwealth’s Indigenous procurement policy](https://www.niaa.gov.au/resource-centre/indigenous-procurement-policy). That policy, created by the Coalition, has awarded $10bn in government contracts to Indigenous businesses since 2015.

Professor Langton and Mr Lowe write in The Australian that the nation is at a crossroads “where the needs of Aboriginal traditional owners and the economy meet”. “Charting a way forward that encompasses respect for Aboriginal traditional owner rights and the need to develop the economy is the key task being addressed by the new Mabo Centre,” they write.

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** In the News

---

### [Indigenous interest and industry strike new compact](https://mabocentre.com/2025/03/04/indigenous-interest-and-industry-strike-new-compact/)

**Published:** March 4, 2025
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

Australia’s economic growth has been built on its willingness to adapt and embrace the new. We have expanded and diversified our minerals and technology sectors. We have seed-funded new industries, such as renewable energy and IT. And we have supported the development of tourism, higher education and other people-based sectors.

However, what we haven’t done is change the way Indigenous Australians are included in the nation’s economic future. Economic development for Indigenous communities remains an elusive goal, particularly for those companies whose projects directly affect Aboriginal traditional owners. This is despite the vast wind energy, solar arrays and hydrogen projects being located on traditional lands.

The rise of the green economy and the impact of net zero have created an economic landscape that demands critical minerals and rare earth elements on a hitherto unknown scale. The proposed hydrogen production and critical minerals tax incentives provide an insight into the need of this sector for future economic stability.

If Australia can increase its production of critical and rare earth minerals, it can stabilise international access to these minerals and become a leading nation in the green energy transition.

The Indigenous estate also is increasing. The existing 270 Indigenous corporations, with statutory roles representing native title holders, soon will exceed 300.

Each of these corporations provides a vehicle to foster economic activity in their communities and to support the development of industry in their regions. These prescribed bodies corporate will be an important feature of the new economic environment. They cannot be ignored in the drive to expand resource extraction and renewable energy projects. It is irrefutable that native title negotiations have led to the delivery of thousands of projects on native title land over several decades.

The [federal government will commit $842 million in funding](https://www.niaa.gov.au/our-work/grants-and-funding/northern-territory-remote-aboriginal-investment "federal government will commit $842 million in funding") over six years to help close the gap in remote Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.

![](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Marcia-Langton-1024x576.jpg "Marcia Langton – The Mabo Centre")Professor Marcia Langton at the University of Melbourne Picture Peter CasamentoDespite this success, government and industry leaders remain ambivalent about the role and status of traditional owners and their organisations. This ambivalence is part of the cause of the desperate economic and social need of remote and rural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities that is recognised across the political spectrum. Gaps in life expectancy, wellbeing and economic status can be effectively addressed by some long-overdue reforms.

We are at an important crossroads for such reform, where the needs of traditional owners and the economy meet. Key industry sectors have an urgent need for resources in areas owned by Aboriginal traditional owners or subject to native title negotiating rights. These [green energy projects](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/clean-energy/) have the potential to deliver broader economic development and increased wellbeing for local communities and towns.

There are obvious reforms that are long overdue to unleash this potential, some of a legal nature and some policy settings that have been delayed by a lack of clear evidence-based thinking and willingness to modernise. Charting a way forward that encompasses respect for Aboriginal traditional owner rights and the need to develop the economy is the key task being addressed by the new Mabo Centre.

Providing an Indigenous-led consideration of rights, the Mabo Centre is a unique partnership between the [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/), the peak body of native title and other traditional owner bodies, and the [University of Melbourne](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/), Australia’s leading university. The Mabo Centre aims to work in this nexus between policy and people, providing resources and support for traditional owner groups and Indigenous corporations, to enable better economic outcomes through realisation of their [land and sea rights](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/land-and-sea-rights/).

Through relevant research, with Australian and international perspectives, it will support industry by providing an evidence base demonstrating improved outcomes from best practice and by providing industry-focused training programs. The Mabo Centre will create a forum for industry and traditional owner groups to develop mutually beneficial strategies and approaches to doing business.

The recently announced [Review of the Future Acts Regime of the Native Title Act 1993](https://www.alrc.gov.au/inquiry/review-of-the-future-acts-regime/) makes clear the concerns across the regulatory sector. After 32 years of native title, it’s time to bring about effective change in the administration of native title. Doing so will create an environment that improves the economic potential and status of traditional owners. The relationship between the rights of traditional owners and economic growth from resources must be examined rigorously to effect change and prevent unnecessary conflicts and delays. Balancing the interests of traditional owners in protecting their country – their cultural and environmental heritage – against those of industry requires a deeper understanding of legislation, policy settings and the challenges.

Indigenous interests encompass shared property interests in more than 50 per cent of the Australian land mass and this is expected to increase to 65 per cent by 2030. Negotiating in good faith with Indigenous Australians will be essential to an efficient and socially responsible business climate.

The Mabo Centre will provide the research, training and support to these traditional owner representative institutions. It will focus on how Indigenous rights can create nationwide benefits. We have an unprecedented opportunity to realise traditional owner rights in natural resource projects so that all will thrive economically and socially. We are prepared for this challenge.

*Jamie Lowe is chief executive of the National Native Title Council and co-chairman of the Mabo Centre. Marcia Langton is associate provost at the University of Melbourne and co-chairwoman of the Mabo Centre.*

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** In the News

---

### [What does the High Court native title decision mean for Aboriginal people nationwide?](https://mabocentre.com/2025/03/15/what-does-the-high-court-native-title-decision-mean-for-aboriginal-people-nationwide/)

**Published:** March 15, 2025
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

## Legal experts say the High Court win by the Northern Territory’s Gumatj clan against the commonwealth might bolster cases of other Indigenous groups in the territories that haven’t been compensated for development on their land — but it’s not so clear-cut for mob in the states.

The [late Dr Yunupingu filed the case on behalf of the Gumatj people](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-03-12/gove-peninsula-compensation-native-title/105040102) in 2019 to prove his mob were owed compensation from the crown for taking ownership of minerals in 1939 and greenlighting the mining of bauxite from the 1960s on the Gove Peninsula without the clan’s consent.

The win “confirms that native title is protected by the constitution and that extinguishment of native title requires just compensation, just like any other property right in this country,” Mabo Centre director Professor Eddie Cubillo told the ABC’s Indigenous Affairs Team.

![Dr Cubillo is sitting on a chair holding a microphone. He is wearing a black button up shirt with a folder in his other hand. He is quoted in this post about a High Court native title decision.](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/a5efbaefe9183e9fa8b83661aac8df77?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=400&cropW=600&xPos=0&yPos=0&width=862&height=575)Dr Eddie Cubillo says the decision is a vindication for the Yolngu people who have spent decades fighting for land rights. (Supplied: University of Melbourne)

“And it corrects a longstanding injustice by ensuring Indigenous people in the territories have the same constitutional protection as others.”

He said it opened the way for similar native title compensation claims against the commonwealth for acts in the territories between 1911 and 1978, because the federal government “was governing over the NT during this time.”

![Dr Sean Brennan is smiling at the camera wearing black glasses. he has grey hair and a blue collared shirt on. He is quoted in this post about a High Court native title decision.](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/4d40c9f43e0fd78d35011457ef7b3fcc?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=3286&cropW=3286&xPos=0&yPos=299&width=862&height=862)Associate Professor Sean Brennan says the ruling will help other traditional owners in the NT make similar claims. (Supplied: UNSW)But “it’s a different situation for states,” the Larrakia, Wadjigan and Central Arrernte man said.

According to section 51 of the constitution, the commonwealth has to compensate an owner fairly — that is, on “just terms” — if they acquire their property.

You might remember the iconic “it’s about the vibe” of the constitution line from the film The Castle? This is what that meant.

Associate Professor at UNSW’s Faculty of Law and Justice Sean Brennan said that constitutional guarantee only applies to the commonwealth.

“The states are in a very different position,” he said.

> “It was clear the laws that extinguish native title, that most typically have taken away native title rights, are laws enacted by the states.”

He said these state laws include land laws and mining laws.

“The states don’t have in their constitutions a binding requirement to give ‘just terms’ compensation when they acquire property.”

Mr Brennan, who sat in on the hearings, agreed the win will help compensation claims from other Indigenous groups in the Northern Territory.

![A photo which shows Gove refinery from the air. Gove Operations is located on the Gove Peninsula in North East Arnhem land.](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/bd68514ad01e82605837c0b9063173ba?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=1688&cropW=2532&xPos=234&yPos=0&width=862&height=575)The mine at Gove Peninsula operating on Gumatj land was at the centre of the court case. (Supplied: Blue Douglas)

“It’s commonly thought that groups can recover compensation for native title back to 1975 \[when Australia got a Racial Discrimination Act\],” he said.

“In other words, the actions by government that took away Indigenous property rights for almost 190 years were thought not to be compensable under Australian law … from 1788 to 1975.

> “What \[Wednesday’s\] decision does effectively is to push that date back in the Northern Territory to 1911.”

The Gumatj clan don’t yet have their compensation — this will be decided when the matter goes back to the federal court.

## Native title ‘older and deeper than the constitution’

![A young man in ceremonial dress and body paint points a painted stick. There are fellow Gumatj clansmen in the background of the image.](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/e176fda73661a2a9fcd39a4a816fd351?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=1333&cropW=1999&xPos=0&yPos=0&width=862&height=575)The Gumatj clan from north-east Arnhem Land have lived on their lands for thousands of years. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

Native title law recognises that First Nations people continue to hold rights and traditional customs over their [lands and waters](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/land-and-sea-rights/).

The legislation was enacted after the landmark case fought by [Torres Strait Islander man Eddie Mabo](https://mabocentre.com/dr-eddie-koiki-mabos-legacy/ "Dr Eddie Koiki Mabo’s legacy") dispelled the myth of terra nullius, meaning “land belonging to no one”.

“Native title recognises that, according to their laws and customs, Indigenous Australians have a connection with country,” Justice Gordon wrote in her judgement on Wednesday.

“It is a connection which existed and persisted before and beyond settlement, before and beyond the assertion of sovereignty and before and beyond Federation.

> “It is older and deeper than the constitution.”

For Clinton Benjamin, Director of Native Title at the [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/), those words were reassuring.

“She spoke directly to the connection which exists for native title holders, the connection to country,” he said.

“It’s not only recognised under Australian law but also clearly protected by the constitution, the same as any other ordinary land title or property is, so I think that is significant.”

Professor Cubillo said Wednesday’s ruling followed decades of land rights activism by the Yolngu people.

![Clinton Benjamin is smiling at the camera wearing a black shirt with white spots. He has dark brown hair and a beard. He is quoted in this post about a High Court native title decision.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ac656e5a96f80b73dc7841dad71e452e.avif "Clinton Benjamin, Director of Native Titl – The Mabo Centre")Mr Benjamin says he welcomes the decision from the High Court and congratulates the Gumatj clan for their fight for land rights and recognition supplied Facebook

“As an Indigenous man from the Northern Territory and someone who’s studied settler law, it was really inspiring,” he said.

“It was also sad that Dr Yunupingu is no longer with us to see the outcome …

> “I also thought, has our High Court finally matured to respect Indigenous peoples as owners of this country?”

![Yunupingu with Bob Hawke at Garma in 2014.](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/e0f73e27b1447a97de973370d4d3de22?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=1575&cropW=2362&xPos=0&yPos=20&width=862&height=575)The late Dr Yunupingu who filed the case was a staunch advocate for Indigenous recognition and land rights. (Supplied: Peter Eve / Yothu Yindi Foundation)## Will this have an impact on private property?

When the Mabo decision was handed down in 1992, rumours circulated that private home and landowners would lose their properties — years later, [the myth persists](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-29/fact-check-mabo-decision-high-court-dispossession-pauline-hanson/11342504).

Mr Benjamin said that native title claims — or related compensation — do not impact private property held under freehold title — as it only relates to crown land.

“The hysteria built up when the Mabo \[decision\] was delivered has shown that over the last 30 years, native title hasn’t taken over people’s backyards,” Mr Benjamin said.

“It won’t affect private landholders at all.

> “\[The\] decision is really looking at acts of the commonwealth in this instance and extinguishing or impairing native title rights of traditional owners, so people don’t have to worry.”

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** In the News

---

### [Indigenous-led centre launched, continuing Mabo legacy](https://mabocentre.com/2025/03/04/indigenous-led-centre-launched-continuing-mabo-legacy/)

**Published:** March 4, 2025
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

It was more than 30 years ago when a [landmark legal case](http://www6.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/HCA/1992/23.html), brought about by [Eddie Koiki Mabo](https://mabocentre.com/dr-eddie-koiki-mabos-legacy/ "Dr Eddie Koiki Mabo’s legacy") and fellow Mer Islanders, recognised the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to their lands.

A centre, opening in Perth on Tuesday, will continue the forefather of native title’s legacy, which began in 1982 when the group lodged their legal claim in the High Court for ownership of their lands.

The Mabo Centre will focus on advancing First Nations leadership and improving economic outcomes for communities through [land and sea rights](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/land-and-sea-rights/ "Land and Sea Rights").

![](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/6ac67752a984d58543dc91802c207845_Gail-Mabo_In-the-name-of-Mabo.jpg "6ac67752a984d58543dc91802c207845_Gail Mabo_In the name of Mabo – The Mabo Centre")Artist Gail Mabo whose father Eddie Koiko Mabo led the High Court case that resulted in the native title laws will help launch the Mabo Centre Picture Colin MurtyDr Mabo’s family gifted the centre his name, with his daughter Gail Mabo saying the centre will continue the fight for justice.

“Through winning the case, Dad gave the right for all First Australians to celebrate those things we hold most dear to us,” she said.

“To bring back our voices. To bring back our culture. To bring back strength to the proud people that we are.”

Mabo Centre co-chair Jamie Lowe said Dr Mabo’s contributions left an enduring influence in Australia, inspiring generations of Indigenous activists in their fight for rights to Country.

“[The Mabo decision](https://aiatsis.gov.au/explore/mabo-case) was handed down 33 years ago, starting the recognition of native title in law,” the Gundjitmara and Djabwurrung man said.

“However as Traditional Owners, we have known for over 65,000 years that we have rights to Country.

> “It’s time that native title met the needs of Traditional Owners and can continue to do so for generations.”

![](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Jamie-Lowe.png "1_Jamie Lowe – The Mabo Centre")Mabo Centre co chair Jamie Lowe says Dr Mabo inspired generations of Indigenous activists HANDOUTMabo Centre

The Mabo Centre will be established under a partnership between the [National Native Title Council ](https://nntc.com.au/ "National Native Title Council ")and the University of Melbourne.

It was conceived following a long process of consultation about the challenges and barriers to self-determination and economic prosperity through land and sea rights, co-chair Marcia Langton said.

“It is time for a new mechanism to consider the impact of land and resource use and extraction from our lands within a rights framework,” she said.

The First Nations-led partnership will be guided by an advisory board, with Mr Lowe, Professor Langton and University of Melbourne Dean of Business and Economics Paul Kofman as co-chairs, and Larrakia, Wadjigan and Central Arrente lawyer Eddie Cubillo as director.

Professor Cubillo said the Mabo Centre will support First Nations governance, and provide the policy base to enable agreement making, aiming for justice for Indigenous people.

> “Justice is about much more than the law and rectification of wrongs,” he said.

> “It is about provision of knowledge and opportunities to make change.”

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** In the News

---

### [Building capacity in clean energy](https://mabocentre.com/2025/10/31/building-capacity-in-clean-energy/)

**Published:** October 31, 2025
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

The Mabo Centre recently convened a day-long workshop on Clean Energy Agreement-Making for Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) members with [clean energy](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/clean-energy/ "Clean Energy") interests.

Workshop participants were guided by sector experts to build their skills and access resources to support effective clean energy [agreement-making](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/treaties-and-agreements/ "Treaties and Agreements") for their communities.

Importantly, this workshop provided the opportunity for PBC members to connect over common goals, exchange knowledge, and strengthen understanding through shared experiences.

> “*Anything that brings us together – working towards a goal, sharing experiences – only makes us stronger, more united First Peoples*.”
> 
> *– workshop attendee*

Facilitated by the Mabo Centre and supported by the [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/), the workshop provided practical guidance on understanding clean energy projects and negotiation skills, while creating space to learn from other Traditional Owners in attendance.

![](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Image-5.jpeg "Image (5) – The Mabo Centre")*The Mabo Centre welcomed PBC members from across Australia for a Clean Energy Agreement Making workshop*

A panel discussion with Johnathan Kneebone from [First Nations Clean Energy Network](https://www.firstnationscleanenergy.org.au/ "First Nations Clean Energy Network") and Gavin Brown from Wambal Bila Indigenous Community Corporation closed out the session, giving members guidance on available supports and insights on planning, co-ownership and equity stakes.

As well as creating a valuable opportunity for PBC members to build capacity and connect, the workshop highlighted the need for more opportunities for Traditional Owner representative organisations to convene and build practical skills for effective agreement making.

The Centre thanks all who travelled across the country to join us in Naarm for this workshop. We look forward to providing more opportunities to gather, learn and share.

***Stay connected to hear about future workshops and convenings –*** [***subscribe to the Mabo Centre newsletter***](https://mabocentre.com/contact/).

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** In the News

**Tags:** News

---

### [Enabling economic empowerment for Indigenous communities](https://mabocentre.com/2025/11/03/enabling-economic-empowerment-for-indigenous-communities/)

**Published:** November 3, 2025
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

---

*Insights from the 2025 World Indigenous Business Forum*

---

Attending the 2025 World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) has provided the Mabo Centre with opportunities to connect with global and domestic Indigenous businesses, leaders, and entrepreneurs – both on stage and off.

Participating in a panel discussion on *Global Indigenous Partnerships for Economic Development*, Centre Co-Chair Jamie Lowe spoke about the need to turn conversations around economic empowerment and participation into real action, highlighting the importance of both government and private investment to grow the capability of First Nations people.

> *“Access to capital continues to be an issue, but we need to build capacity and capability within First Nations communities to be investment ready when those opportunities come along. *We need to turn the narrative into action, and start to make change for First Nations people.”**
> 
> *– Jamie Lowe, Mabo Centre Co-Chair*

The need for greater investment into capacity building for Indigenous leaders and businesses to enable economic empowerment was echoed in other discussions throughout the three-day Forum.

Jamie was joined onstage for the well-attended session by Tom Dawkins, co-founder [Lend for Good](https://lendforgood.io/), and Luis Felipe Duchiela, founder Indigenous Prosperity for Global Impact.

![](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/add56551-b4ab-4b3a-92f1-64d74d3766a9-1-1024x768.jpeg "add56551-b4ab-4b3a-92f1-64d74d3766a9 (1) – The Mabo Centre")*Mabo Centre Co Chair Jamie Lowe onstage at WIBF*

Across two days, [Mabo Centre staff](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/ "Our Story") spoke with attendees about the Centre’s work, building valuable connections and sharing insights with local and international organisations and business leaders.

With more than 1,000 attendees and delegates from across the globe attending the Forum, the Centre was pleased to be highlighted as a Premier Sponsor.

We thank everyone who stopped to yarn with us during WIBF and allowed us to share the Centre’s work. It was a privilege to listen to your stories and benefit from the collective wisdom of the global Indigenous community.

***Stay connected – [subscribe to the Mabo Centre newsletter](https://mabocentre.com/contact/).***

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** In the News

**Tags:** News

---

### [First Nations expertise at the forefront of Mabo Centre research projects](https://mabocentre.com/2025/12/09/first-nations-expertise-at-the-forefront-of-mabo-centre-research-projects/)

**Published:** December 9, 2025
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

The Mabo Centre, an Indigenous-led partnership between the [University of Melbourne](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/ "University of Melbourne") and the [National Native Title Council (NNTC)](https://nntc.com.au/), is preparing to deliver on an ambitious research program in 2026.

Established in March 2025, the Centre exists to advance Indigenous leadership and enable better economic outcomes for Indigenous communities through leveraging [land and sea rights](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/land-and-sea-rights/ "Land and Sea Rights").

With plans to develop a national database and undertake research projects that will help to shape land rights policy nationally, the Centre’s research team is set to expand.

In addition to traditional academic appointments, the Mabo Centre is seeking First Nations leaders to contribute to its research program and ensure Indigenous voices remain embedded in the Centre’s work.

By bringing a deep understanding of community needs, Indigenous leaders will have the opportunity to help strengthen and shape land rights justice nationally by leading [research projects](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/ "Programs and Projects") conducted by the Centre.

The Centre’s innovative approach to prioritising First Nations expertise ensures that its work remains grounded in Indigenous knowledge, is responsive to community needs, and is guided by Traditional Owner-led decision making.

After an initial establishment phase, the Centre is continuing to build on a foundation of First Nations knowledge and experience.

As the Mabo Centre enters a period of growth, ensuring that it remains responsive to the needs of Traditional Owners and their communities is a key priority.

[Governed by an Advisory Board of Indigenous leaders and economic experts,](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/ "Our Story") led by Co-Chairs Professor Marcia Langton, Associate Provost of the University of Melbourne, Jamie Lowe, CEO NNTC, and Paul Kofman, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Melbourne, the Centre’s research program will contribute to a best practice model for agreement making that is grounded in principles of self-determination and sustainable economic development.

 For more information about the Centre’s research program and to find out more about the Centre’s research roles, visit:

- [Research Fellow (Policy Development)](https://unimelb.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UoM_External_Career/job/Research-Fellow--Policy-Development-_JR-006477)

- [Research Fellow (Multiple Positions)](https://unimelb.wd105.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UoM_External_Career/job/Senior-Principal-Research-Fellow---Supporting-Strong-First-Nations-_JR-006301)

**– ENDS –**

Beth Cesarin – Communications Manager
E: 

*The Mabo Centre is located on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people.* *We acknowledge the traditional owners of the unceded lands we work and live on and recognise 65,000 years of continuous connection to culture and Country. We pay respect to the Ancestors and Elders whose strength and wisdom guides our work, and to the young people who are the future caretakers of Country.*

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** In the News

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### [The Mabo Centre welcomes Professor Rodney Carter as Interim Director](https://mabocentre.com/2026/01/29/the-mabo-centre-welcomes-professor-rodney-carter-as-interim-director/)

**Published:** January 29, 2026
**Author:** Mabo Centre

**Content:**

The Mabo Centre, an [Indigenous-led research centre and partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council (NNTC)](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/ "Our Story"), is pleased to announce the appointment of Enterprise Professor Rodney Carter to the role of Interim Centre Director.

Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta man Prof. Carter is a community leader and advocate for Indigenous rights and recognition. He joins the Mabo Centre after serving as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation (DJAARA) and Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd for close to a decade.

> “This is a critical time when Traditional Owners are seeking to negotiate local treaty with the state government. Indigenous peoples have cared for Country for millennia, and we should be able to share in the benefits,” said Prof. Carter. “The advancement of land and sea rights for economic gain provides opportunity for us to get back on equal footing and create better futures for our children.”

Prof. Carter brings a wealth of experience to the role of Interim Centre Director. A key member of the sustainable development and effective management of Dja Dja Wurrung Cultural Heritage, Prof. Carter’s involvement in negotiating the Dja Dja Wurrung peoples’ native title settlement has led to greater recognition of cultural rights and increased decision-making powers around land use and access.

During his time as CEO of DJAARA, the Dja Dja Wurrung people became the first Traditional Owner group to register their intent to negotiate a Traditional Owner Treaty, highlighting Prof. Carter’s commitment to advocating for Traditional Owners and their communities to access the economic, cultural and social benefits from their traditional lands and waters.

> “Prof. Carter’s appointment is a major step forward. It promises to enable us to achieve critical goals for Traditional Owners and Native Title groups seeking economic development opportunities,” said Centre Co-Chair Professor Marcia Langton. “Getting the policy framework right for Aboriginal wealth creation is a must, and Prof Carter’s leadership will make this possible. I join the other members of our Advisory Group and the University community in congratulating Prof. Carter on his appointment.”

Centre Co-Chair and Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Melbourne, Paul Kofman, also expressed his delight in welcoming Prof. Carter to lead the Mabo Centre through its next phase, which builds on the foundations laid by Centre Director Dr Eddie Cubillo (currently on sabbatical). Dr Cubillo’s knowledge, expertise, and staunch approach to Indigenous rights and recognition during the Centre’s formative period have shaped its direction in strengthening Indigenous economic development through land and sea rights.

Prof. Carter will also be instrumental in honouring the [legacy of Indigenous land rights activist and Centre namesake Eddie Koiki Mabo](https://mabocentre.com/dr-eddie-koiki-mabos-legacy/ "Dr Eddie Koiki Mabo’s legacy").

> “It’s a privilege to carry forward the work of Eddie Koiki Mabo. Through the Mabo Centre, we continue his legacy and that of countless community leaders and Elders who have fought for land and sea justice and Indigenous rights through the decades,” he said.

Contact: Mabo Centre Communications Manager, beth.cesarin@unimelb.edu.au

 ![author avatar](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-mabocentre-favicon.png) 

 Mabo Centre 

 Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre is an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council.  [See Full Bio](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) [    ](https://mabocentre.com/author/infomabocentre-com/) 

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**Categories:** In the News, Media Statements

---


## Pages

### [Home](https://mabocentre.com/)

**Published:** February 13, 2025
**Author:** NGNY

**Content:**

# Empowering First Nations Leadership on Country

The Mabo Centre is a transformational joint initiative of the National Native Title Council and the University of Melbourne.

The Mabo Centre will support Traditional Owners and First Nations youth to become community leaders and drive economic change in their communities.

[Read more about the Mabo Centre](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/).

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mabo_Art_Crop00_2.jpg)

---

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mabo_Art_Crop216.jpg)

---

## Dr Eddie Koiki Mabo’s legacy

The Mabo legacy is one of empowerment, land and sea justice, and the ongoing fight for Indigenous rights and recognition in Australia.

His contributions have had an enduring influence on the landscape of Australian law and society and inspired generations of Indigenous activists and leaders in their fight for recognition and rights to country.

Read more about the [legacy of Dr Mabo](https://mabocentre.com/dr-eddie-koiki-mabos-legacy/).

## Our Key Areas of Focus

The Mabo Centre is governed by a Board of First Nations leaders and economic experts. It is championed by Co-Chairs [Jamie Lowe](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/jamie-lowe/) (Chief Executive Officer of the National Native Title Council), [Professor Marcia Langton](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-marcia-langton/) (Associate Provost, University of Melbourne) and [Professor Paul Kofman](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-paul-kofman/) (Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Melbourne). The Mabo Centre will work to support Traditional Owners achieve successful [Native Title](https://mabocentre.com/timeline-of-native-title/) outcomes for their communities through four focus areas.

### Research

Informing national policy development that will support Traditional Owners to achieve the best possible outcomes from the resources they control and influence

### Training

Working with Traditional Owners and their leadership to strengthen their capacities in crucial policy areas and skills

### Exchange

Sharing knowledge through networked learning to support stronger Traditional Owner connections and effective agreement making

### Acceleration

Driving entrepreneurship and leadership for Traditional Owner developed economies

## Latest News

[![Featured image for “Towards a First Nations critical minerals strategy: A moment in time”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1782737005406.jpg)July 9, 2026 /

### Towards a First Nations critical minerals strategy: A moment in time

Australia stands at one of the most significant economic crossroads in its modern history. The global race for critical minerals…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/07/09/towards-a-first-nations-critical-minerals-strategy-a-moment-in-time/)[![Featured image for “Submission to the Inquiry on Creating sustainable economic growth in rural and regional Australia”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Grampians-National-Park_1.jpg)July 8, 2026 /

### Submission to the Inquiry on Creating sustainable economic growth in rural and regional Australia

The Terms of Reference in respect of the current Inquiry require the Committee to “inquire into and report on creating…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/resources/submission-to-the-inquiry-on-creating-sustainable-economic-growth-in-rural-and-regional-australia/)[![Featured image for “Fulfilling the promise of Mabo: summary of the ALRC Report 144”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mabo_Art_Crop0.jpg)June 24, 2026 /

### Fulfilling the promise of Mabo: summary of the ALRC Report 144

On 24 June 2026, the Commonwealth Attorney-General tabled in Parliament the latest report of the Australian Law Reform Commission (the…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/06/24/fulfilling-the-promise-of-mabo-summary-of-the-alrc-report-144/)[![Featured image for “Towards an Australian First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/iStock-2246501892-scaled.jpg)June 17, 2026 /

### Towards an Australian First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy

The Mabo Centre, in partnership with the National Native Title Council (NNTC) and Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining, Energy and Exploration…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/06/17/towards-an-australian-first-nations-critical-minerals-strategy/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Longmore-Lagoon-Yorta.jpg)

---

## Partners

[![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NNTC_Logo_RGB_Primary_Midnight.jpg)](https://nntc.com.au/)

[![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/UoM_Logo_Vert_Housed_RGB.png)](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/)

The National Native Title Council is the peak body for the native title sector and Traditional Owners.

The University of Melbourne is Australia’s leading university and a world leader in education, teaching and research.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-logo_NNTC.png)The National Native Title Council is the peak body for the native title sector and Traditional Owners.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/UoM_Logo_Vert_Housed_RGB.png)The University of Melbourne is Australia’s leading university and a world leader in education, teaching and research.

---

### [Dr Eddie Koiki Mabo’s legacy](https://mabocentre.com/dr-eddie-koiki-mabos-legacy/)

**Published:** February 5, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Rectangle-13@2x-1.png)

---

# Eddie Koiki Mabo

Born in 1936, Eddie Koiki Mabo was a Meriam man who grew up on the island of Mer in the Torres Strait. He was a teacher, land rights advocate, and community leader.

While most of his adult life was spent on the mainland, Koiki’s cultural identity remained deeply rooted in Malo law and Meriam custom.

His enduring connection to his ancestral land, water, and culture formed the basis of the landmark [1992 Mabo decision](https://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/HCA/1992/23.html) which overturned the claim of terra nullius and led to the [Native Title Act 1993](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Native-Title-Act-1993.pdf).

His contributions have had an enduring influence on the landscape of Australian law and society and inspired generations of Indigenous activists and leaders in their fight for recognition and rights to country.

## Dr Mabo’s legacy

The Mabo legacy is one of empowerment, land and sea justice, and the ongoing fight for Indigenous rights and recognition in Australia.

The Mabo Centre also acknowledges the other Meriam people who mounted the landmark Mabo case (Reverend David Passi, Sam Passi, James Rice and Celuia Mapo Sale) and pay respect to all other Traditional Owners who have led their communities to successful [native title](https://mabocentre.com/timeline-of-native-title/) claim determinations.

The Mabo Centre will continue this journey of Indigenous leadership and excellence in law, research and economic empowerment. The Centre’s name has generously been gifted with permission from the Mabo family, recognising the legacy of Dr Eddie Koiki Mabo, a campaigner for [land and sea rights](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/land-and-sea-rights/) and economic development and the forefather of [Native Title](https://mabocentre.com/timeline-of-native-title/).

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mabo_Art_Crop216.jpg)

---

---

### [Our Story](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/)

**Published:** February 19, 2025
**Author:** NGNY

**Content:**

# The Mabo Centre Story

Established in 2025, the Mabo Centre exists to empower Traditional Owners and their representative groups to maximise the economic, social and cultural benefits of their land and sea rights.

Through research translation, structured training, and knowledge exchange, the Centre supports Traditional Owners to overcome barriers to navigating [native title](https://mabocentre.com/timeline-of-native-title/) and empowers future generations to drive change within their communities.

A place for and of Traditional Owners from across Australia and the Torres Strait, culture is embedded in our processes and lived by our people, creating strong and independent leadership in the native title sector.

The Mabo Centre carries the name of Indigenous land rights activist and Meriam man [Eddie Koiki Mabo](https://mabocentre.com/2025/03/04/indigenous-led-centre-launched-continuing-mabo-legacy/). Generously gifted to the Centre by senior Mabo family members, the Mabo Centre carries forward [Eddie Mabo’s legacy](https://mabocentre.com/dr-eddie-koiki-mabos-legacy/) of Indigenous empowerment, land and sea justice, and the ongoing fight for Indigenous rights and recognition in Australia.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mabo_Art_Crop2.jpg)

---

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Rectangle-13@2x.png)

---

# Our People

The Mabo Centre is led by, and established from, Indigenous voices and leadership.

Governed by respected First Nations leaders and academics including [Professor Rodney Carter](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-rodney-carter/), [Jamie Lowe](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/jamie-lowe/), [Professor Marcia Langton](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-marcia-langton/), and [Professor Paul Kofman](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-paul-kofman/), the Mabo Centre empowers Traditional Owners and their representative groups to maximise the economic, social and cultural benefits of their land and sea rights.

[](/our-story/our-people/)

Learn More

## Partners

[![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/NNTC_Logo_RGB_Primary_Midnight.jpg)](https://nntc.com.au/)

[![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/UoM_Logo_Vert_Housed_RGB.png)](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/)

The National Native Title Council is the peak body for the native title sector and Traditional Owners.

The University of Melbourne is Australia’s leading university and a world leader in education, teaching and research.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-logo_NNTC.png)The National Native Title Council is the peak body for the native title sector and Traditional Owners.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/UoM_Logo_Vert_Housed_RGB.png)The University of Melbourne is Australia’s leading university and a world leader in education, teaching and research.

## Imagery

Gail Mabo
Meriam, Australia, born 1965
Mabo, 2024, Mixed media on canvas

“In honour of my father this is my first mixed media artwork titled Mabo.

Through this work I wanted to convey the extraordinary memory of Edward Koiki Mabo’s fight and pay tribute to his culture and the importance of cultural connection to the place he called home, the Island of ‘Mer’. The law of the Malo was the power of proof of cultural connection to Country.

“Benny Mabo, my Father was the Sixteenth generation and I’m Koiki Mabo, Seventh generation of proud warriors who conquered and settled in Mer.”

The words on the canvas demonstrate his unending dedication towards a fight that ultimately took his physical life however now live eternally through his handwritten words.

Reflected in his last diary entry is his profound love for his wife Bonita Mabo the most beautiful woman in his life, his dearly beloved children and his people.

This man fought with sheer determination to achieve the most important fight for Indigenous Australia to the highest court in the land and won.

This man is called Eddie Koiki Mabo.”

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/MABO_Artwork-by-Gail-Mabo_Hi-Res-1.jpg)

---

### [Land and Sea Rights](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/land-and-sea-rights/)

**Published:** February 26, 2025
**Author:** NGNY

**Content:**

# Land and Sea Rights

Traditional Owners have inherent rights derived from, and in connection to, their traditional land and waters. These inherent rights manifest from traditional law and custom and flow from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuing connection, use and occupation of Country. These rights are not established or granted by the State, rather, they are inherent to First Nations peoples. As collective rights, these are held broadly by the community and upheld through their self-determined representative structures.

This is consistent with the relevant provisions of the [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People](https://humanrights.gov.au/resource-hub/search-all-our-publications/reports-and-projects/projects2/un-declaration-rights) (**UNDRIP**), to which Australia is a signatory. Under UNDRIP, Indigenous Peoples have the right to participate in decision-making in matters that affect their rights, through representatives chosen by themselves in accordance with their own procedures.

It is important to be clear when discussing Traditional Owner representative organisations (**TORIs**), such as Prescribed Bodies Corporate (**PBC**), that there is a distinction between this sector and broader notions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations. TORIs are defined by their statutory recognition and role with respect to the traditional lands and waters of their members. From these lands and waters springs cultural responsibilities and rights in respect of natural resources and traditional knowledge.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AdobeStock_533656938_cobalt-edit.png)

---

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Dylan-ODonnell-Pinnacles-Desert-Galactic-Core-2015_Public-Domain-Mark.jpg)

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## Native Title

The [*Native Title Act 1993*](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A04665/latest/versions) provides recognition by Australian law of the rights and interests in land and waters held by Traditional Owners under their traditional laws and customs, which existed before the start of colonisation.

[Native title](https://mabocentre.com/timeline-of-native-title/) was first recognised in Australian law in 1992 in the [Mabo v Queensland (No 2)](https://aiatsis.gov.au/ntpd-resource/742) decision. The five Meriam people who mounted the case were Eddie Koiki Mabo, Reverend David Passi, Sam Passi, James Rice and one Meriam women, Celuia Mapo Sale. Eddie Koiki Mabo was the first named plaintiff and the case became known as the Mabo Case.

In the Mabo Case, the High Court recognised that:

- When Britain assumed sovereignty, the common law recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples held a native title under their own system of law and customs.

- The land and waters of Australia were not terra nullius, a land belonging to no one.

- Native title continues to exist unless the ongoing connection to the land was lost or the government did something to extinguish it.

- Since 1993, the [Native Title Act](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Native-Title-Act-1993.pdf) has set processes and requirements around native title. As with much legislation, details on application and meaning in the Act has been determined through court cases.

- Positive native title determinations realise a collection of rights that can be managed by Traditional Owners through agreement making. The Mabo Centre will undertake research and capacity development programming to assist Traditional Owner organisations leverage these rights to realise the ambitions of their communities.

View our [interactive timeline of the history of native title](https://mabocentre.com/timeline-of-native-title/).

## Post Determination

When a positive native title determination is made by the Federal Court, the [Native Title Act 1993](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A04665/latest/versions) requires Traditional Owners to establish a corporation to represent them and their interests. These organisations are [Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate](https://www.oric.gov.au/for-corporations/native-title-and-rntbcs) (**RNTBCs**) but are most commonly known as [Prescribed Bodies Corporate (**PBC**)](https://nativetitle.org.au/learn/role-and-function-pbc/about-pbcs).

These bodies are the inclusive and representative groups identified in the [United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People](https://humanrights.gov.au/resource-hub/search-all-our-publications/reports-and-projects/projects2/un-declaration-rights) (**UNDRIP**). As such, they hold the collectively owned cultural rights of the community and manage functions under the Native Title Act, including to:

- Hold, protect and manage determined native title in accordance with the objectives of the native title holding group

- Ensure certainty for governments and other parties interested in accessing or regulating native title land and waters by providing a legal entity to manage and conduct the affairs of the native title holders.

All RNTBCs must be incorporated under the [Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (**CATSI Act**)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2006A00124/2021-12-08/text).

Central to the work of the Mabo Centre is provision of support to PBC and other Traditional Owner representative organisations (**TORIs**).

There are currently 265 PBC across Australia. This number is expected to exceed 300 by 2026 with a further 84 applications pending registration. As demand for Traditional Owner engagement, consultation, and consent continues to grow, so too does the importance of understanding the capacity challenges that PBC face.

Such challenges impact their capacity to make informed decisions about proposed activity across their lands and waters in line with UNDRIPs free, prior and informed consent (**FPIC**) principles and their rights holders’ interests.

- 60% of PBC are classified as small (less than $100,000 in gross operating income, less than 5 employees, consolidated assets valued at less than $100,000).

- Between 2020-21, 60% of PBC reported zero employees, with a further 13% reporting just 1.

- Over one third of PBC in Australia have no income, no grant funding, no assets, and not employees.

The [National Native Title Council’s PBC Futures: Roadmap to Reform](https://nntc.com.au/resources/pbc-futures-roadmap-to-reform-final-report/), published in PBC 2023, provides a snapshot of the complexity of PBC.

As representative institutions of native title holders, PBC are tasked with managing and protecting their country, but do not have the support of secure and ongoing funding, effective mechanisms for cost recovery or access to the appropriate expertise.

PBC and TORIs are not simply land holding bodies or regular corporations under the CATSI Act. They are the ‘self’ in self-determination. They represent the nations that hold rights, own and speak for country and have the cultural authenticity to act as nations. While a PBC is not an Indigenous creation, rather one of the Native Title Act, Traditional Owners use the PBC structure to enact their rights, interests and practices.

PBC are culturally and legally complex bodies that have been forced to incorporate under CATSI to be able to hold and manage their native title rights and interests under the Native Title Act. They have a range of statutory obligations and, unlike other CATSI corporations, have a fiduciary duty to both their members and current and future common law holders.

## Legislative Environment

The broad and deep range of connections that Traditional Owners have to Country are protected through the contemporary Australian legal and regulatory system in a number of ways. These include legislation across all jurisdictions and includes:

- [Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A02943/latest/versions)

- [Aboriginal Land Rights Act (Northern Territory) 1976 (Cth)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A01620/asmade/text)

- [Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 (NT)](https://legislation.nt.gov.au/Legislation/NORTHERN-TERRITORY-ABORIGINAL-SACRED-SITES-ACT-1989)

- [Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2006A00124/2021-12-08/text)

- [Heritage Act 2004 (ACT)](https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2004-57)

- [Heritage Act 2011 (NT)](https://legislation.nt.gov.au/Legislation/HERITAGE-ACT-2011)

- [National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW)](https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1974-080)

- [Native Title (Prescribed Bodies Corporate) Regulations 1999 (Cth)](https://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/cth/consol_reg/ntbcr1999495/)

- [Native Title Act 1993 (Cth)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A04665/latest/versions)

- [Offshore Electricity Infrastructure Act 2021 (Cth)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2021A00120/latest/text)

- [Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage Act 2006 (Cth)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2006A00014/latest/text)

- [Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (VIC)](https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/traditional-owner-settlement-act-2010/026)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mabo_Art_Crop214.jpg)

---

# Fact Sheets

[View All](/resources)

# Video

[View All](/resources)

---

### [Timeline of Native Title](https://mabocentre.com/timeline-of-native-title/)

**Published:** July 13, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

In Australia, native title is legal recognition of First Nations peoples’ rights and interests in [land and waters](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/land-and-sea-rights/ "Land and Sea Rights") according to their traditional laws and customs.

These rights were formally recognised in the Australian legal system following the historic Mabo decision in 1992 and are governed by the [Native Title Act 1993](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A04665/latest/versions).

Native Title determinations are made by the [Federal Court of Australia](https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/). For native title to be recognised, the laws and customs of First Nations peoples must be acknowledged and observed in a ‘substantially uninterrupted’ way from pre-colonisation to present.

Since the historic 1992 Mabo decision, 288 [Prescribed Body Corporates](https://nativetitle.org.au/) (PBCs) have been established. A PBC is an Indigenous corporation established under the Native Title Act 1993 to hold and manage native title rights and interests on behalf of Traditional Owners after a positive court determination.

 All events Landmark cases Legislation Setbacks Compensation Milestones 

 Landmark cases Legislation Setbacks Compensation Milestones

---

### [Programs and Projects](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/)

**Published:** February 26, 2025
**Author:** NGNY

**Content:**

# Programs and Projects

The Mabo Centre undertakes a range of programs and projects, providing support to Traditional Owners through research, training, exchange and acceleration.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TheMaboCentre_Icons_RGB_Icon1_Blossom@2x_4.png)

## Land and Sea Rights

Traditional Owners have inherent rights derived from, and in connection to, their traditional land and waters. These inherent rights manifest from traditional law and custom and flow from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuing connection, use and occupation of Country.

[Learn More](/programs-and-projects/land-and-sea-rights/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TheMaboCentre_Icons_RGB_Icon1_Blossom@2x.png)

## Cultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage is the living link between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today and their Ancestors, creating a link over 65,000 years old.

[Learn More](/programs-and-projects/cultural-rights/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TheMaboCentre_Icons_RGB_Icon1_Blossom@2x_1.png)

## Treaties & Agreements

Agreement making is critical to nation building and economic empowerment of Traditional Owners. The work of the Mabo Centre will provide resources for Traditional Owners to make better agreements to realise their own ambitions.

[Learn More](/programs-and-projects/treaties-and-agreements/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/TheMaboCentre_Icons_RGB_Icon1_Blossom@2x_2.png)

## Clean Energy

It is essential that the Traditional Owners and First Nations communities are supported to realise their rights in the race to reach Net Zero and the Clean Energy sector.

[Learn More](/programs-and-projects/clean-energy/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-Coastline-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria.jpg)

---

---

### [Cultural Rights](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/cultural-rights/)

**Published:** February 27, 2025
**Author:** NGNY

**Content:**

# Cultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage is the living link between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today and their Ancestors, creating a link over 65,000 years old. Understanding the world as a boundaryless environment between the tangible and intangible, the people, the Country and Culture, Traditional Owners engagement with Cultural Heritage includes places and objects as well as those things considered intangible, such as language, practices and knowledge.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage tells a story of a deeply spiritual people connected through their culture to their environment. The age and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture alone demonstrates that all people everywhere can benefit from an understanding of their culture. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage shows the story of human ingenuity and deep and spiritual relationship with nature, a relationship that through the manipulation of ecological processes has led to the Australia we know today.”

([Dhawura Ngilan / Remembering Country: A Vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage in Australia](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/dhawura-ngilan-vision-atsi-heritage.pdf))

The establishment of many of the legislative and regulatory provisions for cultural heritage are based on an archaeological perspective, known to many as the ‘stones and bones’ approach. This does not provide for the holistic understanding of country, culture and community lived by Traditional Owners.

The Mabo Centre will provide the research and support for Traditional Owners to create pathways for recognition of their understandings into the legislative and regulatory environment that affects cultural heritage.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lge_Mount-Hotham-scaled.jpg)

---

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Dylan-ODonnell-Pinnacles-Desert-Galactic-Core-2015_Public-Domain-Mark.jpg)

---

## Legislative Environment

The protection of Cultural Heritage involves complex array of legislative and regulatory provisions across commonwealth and state and territory jurisdictions, different to those provided for land rights. These include:

- [Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 (Cth)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A02943/latest/versions)

- [Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld)](https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2003-079)

- [Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA)](https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/main_mrtitle_3_homepage.html)

- [Aboriginal Heritage Act 1975 (Tas)](https://www.legislation.tas.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-1975-081)

- [Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 (SA)](https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/lz?path=/c/a/aboriginal%20heritage%20act%201988)

- [Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic)](https://www.legislation.vic.gov.au/in-force/acts/aboriginal-heritage-act-2006/030)

- [Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (Cth)](https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A00485/latest/versions)

- [Heritage Act 2004 (ACT)](https://www.legislation.act.gov.au/a/2004-57)

- [Heritage Act 2011 (NT)](https://legislation.nt.gov.au/Legislation/HERITAGE-ACT-2011)

- [Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld)](https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/act-2003-080)

The artificial separation of culture from country and community, that is created through legislative regimes, is one of the Mabo Centre’s streams of inquiry.

# Fact Sheets

[View All](/resources)

# Video

[View All](/resources)

---

### [Treaties and Agreements](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/treaties-and-agreements/)

**Published:** February 27, 2025
**Author:** NGNY

**Content:**

# Treaties and Agreements

Agreement making is critical to nation building and economic empowerment of Traditional Owners. The work of the Mabo Centre will provide resources for Traditional Owners to make better agreements to realise their own ambitions.

[The Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements (ATNS) database](https://www.atns.net.au/) provides an online portal for people seeking information on agreements with Indigenous peoples. The project aims to promote knowledge and transparency by capturing the range and variety of agreement making occurring in Australia and other parts of the world.

Information is gathered and reviewed from publicly available academic sources, online materials and documents provided by the organisations and agencies involved in agreement-making processes. No confidential material is published. The ATNS database began in 2002 as a research project focusing on treaties and agreement making with Indigenous Australians. Since then, the ATNS team has continued to investigate agreement making and maintain the ATNS database.

[](https://www.atns.net.au/)

Visit Website

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/iStock-1330841884-scaled.jpg)

---

---

### [Clean Energy](https://mabocentre.com/programs-and-projects/clean-energy/)

**Published:** February 27, 2025
**Author:** NGNY

**Content:**

# Clean Energy

It is essential that the Traditional Owners and First Nations communities are supported to realise their rights in the race to reach Net Zero and the Clean Energy sector.

In Australia native title holders and Traditional Owners have been negotiating land access and benefit sharing agreements for over 30 years in the mining and resource extraction context, however clean energy agreements are starting to break new ground, including in the area of co-ownership.

Co-ownership in this context refers to an arrangement where a Traditional Owner group on whose land or waters a project is located hold shares (equity) in the developer company.

Co-ownership may offer a path to self-determination for Traditional Owners, including long-term revenue streams as well as influence to protect Country on issues concerning cultural heritage and environmental stewardship. However, the model may not suit all groups and requires unpacking – it can be complicated, brings various risks, and is highly dependent on the interests and concerns of PBCs, their governance structures, capacity, and the nature of the proposed project.

The video below  is based on interviews with people who have detailed knowledge about relevant agreements being negotiated in Australia. They provide general considerations for PBCs and their representatives to understand the potential risks and rewards of equity stakes in large-scale clean energy projects. Please note this is general information only – any agreement should only be entered into after detailed legal and financial advice.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Grampians-National-Park_1.jpg)

---

# Fact Sheets

[View All](/resources)

# Video

[View All](/resources)

---

### [Focus Areas](https://mabocentre.com/focus-areas/)

**Published:** February 19, 2025
**Author:** NGNY

**Content:**

# Our Key Areas of Focus

The Mabo Centre is a transformational joint initiative of the National Native Title Council and the University of Melbourne.

The Mabo Centre will support Traditional Owners with research to support governance, and First Nations youth to become community leaders and drive economic change in their communities.

## Research

The Mabo Centre will respond to the needs of Traditional Owner communities in providing research that will support governance, agreement-making, business and commercial development.

---

Contributing to the body of research into the Traditional Owner sector will provide the foundation for Mabo Centre programming and policy development.

---

The Mabo Centre will undertake research that will inform national policy development to support Traditional Owners achieve the best possible outcomes from the resources they control and influence.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/The-Coastline-Great-Ocean-Road-Victoria.jpg)

---

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kimberley-3.jpg)

---

## Training

Supporting Indigenous diplomacy and leadership is critical to any effective realisation of Traditional Owners’ ambitions. 

---

The Mabo Centre will work with Traditional Owners and their organisations to strengthen their capacities in executive leadership, economic empowerment and negotiations.

## Exchange

Traditional Owners and their representative institutions hold enormous skills, knowledge and experience. Providing a place for sharing of that knowledge is essential for both support and benchmarking best practice.

---

The Mabo Centre will convene networks and connections for knowledge exchange and sharing effective agreement making.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Lge_Mount-Hotham-scaled.jpg)

---

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mt-Buller_Taungurung-Country-1_20240812-scaled.jpg)

---

## Acceleration

Much more than agreement making, long term economic health of communities is built on a cohesion of skills, education and vision.

---

The Mabo Centre will support the progress of initiatives that promote economic empowerment and Indigenous entrepreneurship.

---

### [Events Calendar](https://mabocentre.com/events-calendar/)

**Published:** June 25, 2026
**Author:** Keenan

**Content:**

# Native Title Events Calendar

Connect with native title and Traditional Owner sector events, training, and knowledge sharing opportunities.

Created in partnership with the National Native Title Council, the sector events and training calendar brings together sector conferences, forums, AGMs, training programs, cultural events and more.

Hosting an event relevant to the native title sector, Traditional Owner rights and interests, cultural heritage, or land and sea country management?

[Submit your event for review](https://ntcalendar.janya.net.au/submissions/)

---

### [Subscribe](https://mabocentre.com/subscribe/)

**Published:** June 29, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Subscribe to hear about future events, training opportunities and news.

Name \*

Email \*

Organisation \*

Postcode \*

Subscribe

---

### [Our People](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/)

**Published:** April 27, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Our People

Our expertise spans economic development, knowledge exchange, research, training, advisory & policy development, and cultural capability.

Traditional Owner views and expertise and those of the communities they lead are valued, respected, and embedded in the Centre’s work.

The Centre’s long-term vision and activities are shaped through community engagement, and are culturally responsive, co-designed, and community led – a place for and of Traditional Owners from across Australia and the Torres Strait.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mabo_Art_Crop215.jpg)

---

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mabo-Centre-Headshots-1x1-High-Res-21-scaled.jpg)

---

## Professor Rodney CarterInterim Director

Enterprise Professor Rodney Carter is a descendant of Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta people. He is currently residing in Central Victoria, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

Rodney worked for over ten years as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the [Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation](https://djadjawurrung.com.au/) (DJAARA) and the subsidiary company Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd, where he held the position of Chairperson of the Board for ten years.

 [Read more →](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-rodney-carter/)

## Our Governance

The Mabo Centre Advisory Board is comprised of up to eleven members, providing context, advice, guidance, and experience to the Centre Director in the discharge of their managerial functions. Members bring a range of experience and knowledge to the Advisory Board and representation is required from:

Both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, leadership within the Traditional Owner sector, expertise in areas such as government administration, natural resource management, human rights, economics, and regional development, gender diversity, and a senior academic from the University of Melbourne.

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Marcia-Langton.jpg)### Professor Marcia Langton, Co-Chair

Professor Marcia Langton AO is an anthropologist and geographer, and since 2000 she has held the [Foundation Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies](https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/school-of-culture-and-communication/discipline-areas/indigenous-studies) at the University of Melbourne.

 [Read more →](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-marcia-langton/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Jamie-Lowe.png)### Jamie Lowe, Co-Chair

Jamie Lowe is a Gundjitmara Djabwurrung man serving as the CEO of the [National Native Title Council (NNTC)](https://nntc.com.au/) and inaugural Co-Chair of the Mabo Centre, established to promote Traditional Owner economic and social empowerment through a partnership with the [University of Melbourne](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/).

 [Read more →](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/jamie-lowe/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Paul-Kofman.png)### Professor Paul Kofman, Co-Chair

Professor Paul Kofman is [Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics](https://fbe.unimelb.edu.au/our-people/staff/finance/paul-kofman) and Sidney Myer Chair of Commerce at the University of Melbourne.

He holds a PhD in Economics (1991) from Erasmus University Rotterdam and came to Australia in 1994 as a Lecturer in Econometrics at Monash University.

 [Read more →](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-paul-kofman/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Ned-David.png)### Ned David

Ned David is a Kulkalaig, a Traditional Owner of the Central Islands of the Torres Strait.

His homeland of Magan includes Tudu (Warrior Island), Iama (Yam Island), Gebarr (Gabba Island), Mucar (Cap Island), Sassie and Zagai, the surrounding reefs of Wapa (Warrior reef) and Thidu (Dungeness reef).

 [Read more →](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/ned-david/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Florence-Drummond__555x605.png)### Florence Drummond

Florence Drummond, a Dauareb Wuthathi woman, is a recognised leader in advancing Traditional Owner partnerships across the mining and major projects value chain.

She is an entrepreneur and innovator, dedicated to sustaining strength-based narratives that galvanise local ecosystems and drive economic advancement.

 [Read more →](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/florence-drummond/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Joanne-Farrell_crop.png)### Joanne Farrell

Joanne Farrell is the current Chair of Safe Work Australia and Chair of Brightwater Care Group. Her non-executive director roles include those with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Western Operations), Senate of the University of Western Australia, and Deputy Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Trust. She is a member of the AICD and Chief Executive Women.

 [Read more →](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/joanne-farrell/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Rowan-Foley.png)### Rowan Foley

Rowan Foley is a member of the Wondunna clan of the Badtjala people, Traditional Owners of K’gari (Fraser Island), Queensland.

He is the founder and chief executive of the [Aboriginal Carbon Foundation](https://www.abcfoundation.org.au/), a non-profit organisation that connects Aboriginal communities supplying carbon credits with councils and businesses seeking to offset their carbon pollution.

 [Read more →](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/rowan-foley/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Tim-Goodwin_crop.png)### Tim Goodwin

Tim Goodwin is a Yuin man, with connections to Wiradjuri country through his grandmother.

Tim is a barrister at the [Victorian Bar](https://www.vicbar.com.au/) and practices primarily in commercial and public law.

 [Read more →](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/tim-goodwin/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Paul-Jensen.png)### Professor Paul Jensen

Professor Paul Jensen is the Deputy Dean in the [Faculty of Business & Economics](https://fbe.unimelb.edu.au/) at the University of Melbourne.

He is currently the General-Secretary of the [Asia Pacific Innovation Conference](https://ap-ic.org/), which is an interdisciplinary network of scholars in economics, management and law focusing on innovation research.

 [Read more →](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-paul-jensen/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Sharon-Reynolds.png)### Sharon Reynolds

Sharon Reynolds is a member of the [Esperance Tjaltjraak native title group](https://etntac.com.au/) and maintains strong connections with the South-West and Goldfields regions of Western Australia.

Sharon has worked in the native title and resource sectors for the past 25 years in a range of roles.

 [Read more →](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/sharon-reynolds/)

## Our Team

---

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mabo-Centre-Headshots-3x2-High-Res-94-scaled-e1778564095153.jpg)### Professor Matthew Storey, Research Lead

Matthew Storey is a lawyer and academic with qualifications in law, economics and business. He has worked with and for Traditional Owners in the areas of native title and land rights, cultural heritage, business development and natural resource management for over 30 years.

Matthew is also an Honorary Senior Fellow at the Melbourne Law School, and a University Fellow at the Asia Pacific School of Business and Law, Charles Darwin University (CDU) and has published extensively in the areas of land rights, Indigenous preferential procurement and cultural heritage law.

From 2019 until 2021 Matthew worked as the Director of the Office of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council at the Victorian Department of Premier & Cabinet. Prior to working with the Aboriginal Heritage Council, he had the position of CEO at First Nations Legal and Research Services Ltd (formerly Native Title Services Victoria) from 2012 until 2019 and then as CEO of the National Native Title Council.

Born in Naarm, Matthew lived in the Northern Territory for nearly 25 years. While there he worked in Aboriginal land rights for many years as a Senior Crown Law Officer with the Solicitor for the Northern Territory. He also worked as Associate Professor and Head of Law at the Territory’s Charles Darwin University. He has been a Council member, then President of the Law Society of the NT and a Director of the Law Council of Australia. He returned to Naarm in 2012 to take up the position with Native Title Services Victoria.

Matthew completed a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours course at CDU in 1995. He was also awarded the Attorney General’s Medal and University Medal in that year. Matthew subsequently completed his Graduate Diploma Legal Practice from the ANU, and a Master of Law specialising in environmental law from Macquarie University for which he was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s commendation. He holds post graduate qualifications in Adult and Vocational Education and has completed a Graduate Diploma in Energy and Natural Resources Law at the University of Melbourne. His Doctorate, in Business Administration, is from Deakin University.

Read More

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mabo-Centre-Headshots-1x1-High-Res-6-scaled.jpg)### Dr Scott Mackay, Training Lead

Scott Mackay is a non-Indigenous man born in Aotearoa New Zealand and living in Melbourne on Wurundjeri Country.

His 15-year professional career to date has centred on supporting and advocating for the rights of First Nations peoples in Australia and the broader Pacific.

Scott is an educator, strategy and policy advisor, researcher and writer who has extensive experience working across sectors including academia, professional services, and not-for-profit.

In his current role as the Mabo Centre’s Academic Training Lead, he oversees the establishment of the Centre’s training program which aims to build the capability and capacity of the Native Title sector, including Traditional Owners and their PBCs, industry, and government.

Scott holds a PhD from the University of Melbourne, where he has also previously held various academic positions within its Australian Indigenous Studies program.

Read More

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mabo-Centre-Headshots-1x1-High-Res-49-scaled.jpg)### John Hibble, Centre Manager

John Hibble is the Centre Manager at the Mabo Centre. In this role, he leads the formative development of the Centre’s business model and operations, enabling its mission to support First Nations self-determination, leadership, capacity-building and systems change.

An engineer by training, John brings over 20 years of experience as a practitioner and leader across banking, consulting, training, start-ups, transformation, and cross-sector collaboration in Australia and Canada.

John is Indigenous Fijian and grew up in Naarm (Melbourne), where he now lives with his family. In Canada, he lived and worked on Treaty 13 territory (Toronto) for several years, where he designed and facilitated many cross-sector collaborations that brought together Indigenous communities, the mining and natural resources sector, NGOs, government, and academia.

Through his work, he has learned the value of cultivating respectful relationships, focussing on outcomes not just activity, taking a holistic and connected approach to systems change, staying adaptive in the face of complexity, and practising humility and deep listening when working with Indigenous communities.

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![Anonymous user profile silhouette icon used as a placeholder image for a user account](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-28-at-34847-pm.png)### Keeaira Aird, First Nations Engagement Lead

Keeaira Aird is a Yugambeh, Birri Gubba and South Sea Islander woman with over a decade of experience in the First Nations arts and cultural sector.

Keeaira holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Melbourne and has held several roles across major cultural institutions in Australia. She specialises in culturally responsive program design and advocates for First Nations agency over cultural knowledge and expression.

Keeaira’s work is grounded in self-determination and the elevation of Blak voices.

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![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mabo-Centre-Headshots-1x1-High-Res-33-scaled.jpg)### Beth Cesarin, Communications and Media Manager

Beth Cesarin is a non-Indigenous woman currently living in Melbourne on Wurundjeri Country. She is a Communications and Marketing professional with several years’ experience in both the not-for-profit and private sectors.

Beth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Media and Communications, and Postgraduate qualifications in Public Relations. She has worked for close to a decade in communications in the child and family services sector, most recently working alongside Indigenous populations to protect and promote the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families across Victoria.

Beth is dedicated to elevating and amplifying First Nations voices through spoken, written, and visual mediums to advance the Mabo Centre’s vision of supporting and empowering Traditional Owners, First Nations youth, and community.

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![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mabo-Centre-Headshots-1x1-High-Res-71-scaled-e1771369322732.jpg)### Emma Starling, Centre Coordinator

Emma Starling was born on Wurundjeri Country and is a business operations professional with a strong office management and event planning background.

Emma has managed venues and events at some of Melbourne’s most renowned institutions, including the Melbourne Museum, Science Gallery, Royal Exhibition Building, and Scienceworks.

Before entering the creative sector, Emma worked in charitable organisations, spending time on the front lines of homelessness and foster care. These early experiences instilled a sense of humility and compassion that continues to underpin her approach to stakeholder management.

Emma’s career has evolved into logistics and high-level planning at Melbourne University, where she developed and coordinated visit programs for international research delegations within the Chancellery Research and Enterprise portfolio. From there she moved into the Indigenous Law & Justice Hub at Melbourne Law School as Hub Coordinator.

Emma holds degrees in business administration and project management, and her passion for good protocol and business processes help to strengthen the Centre’s operational foundations.

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![Anonymous user profile silhouette icon used as a placeholder image for a user account](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-28-at-34847-pm.png)### Dr Mahnaz Alimardanian, Research Fellow

Dr Mahnaz Alimardanian is a social anthropologist, highly experienced in qualitative research and community engagement projects with Indigenous Australia spanning across academia, consultancy, government, and non-for-profit sectors since 2010.

She is a social researcher and practitioner expert in culturally responsive and sensitive, trauma informed and healing centred approaches to engagement and research across complex policy-legislation settings including native title, Indigenous land, water and cultural rights, social and restorative justice, redress, and compensation. She holds a PhD (La Trobe University 2013) and two master’s degrees (Australian National University 2008, University of Tehran 2005) in anthropology.

Mahnaz’s publications sit in an intersection of social, philosophical, and psychological enquiries and appear in anthropology and interdisciplinary journals and edited volumes.

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![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mabo_Art_Banner.jpg)

---

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### [Professor Rodney Carter](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-rodney-carter/)

**Published:** April 28, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Enterprise Professor Rodney Carter

## Interim Centre Director, Mabo Centre

---

## ![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Mabo-Centre-Headshots-1x1-High-Res-21-scaled.jpg)

Enterprise Professor Rodney Carter is a descendant of Dja Dja Wurrung and Yorta Yorta people. He is currently residing in Central Victoria, on Dja Dja Wurrung Country.

Rodney worked for over ten years as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the [Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation](https://djadjawurrung.com.au/) (DJAARA) and the subsidiary company Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd, where he held the position of Chairperson of the Board for ten years.

Under his leadership, DJAARA received the Telstra Best Business Award and Best Indigenous Business Award (nationally) in 2024, recognising the significant growth in organisational size and economic activities.

A defining moment for Rodney was acting as Signatory and Claimant negotiating the Dja Dja Wurrung people’s native title settlement in 2013, which resulted in a [Recognition and Settlement Agreement under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010](https://www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/dja-dja-wurrung-recognition-and-settlement-agreement). This outcome was the culmination of over a decade of discussions and negotiations with the State of Victoria.

Rodney was an inaugural member of the [Aboriginal Heritage Council](https://www.achm.com.au/) from its inception in 2006, until 2024. He was Chairperson until August 2021 and previous Chairperson of the Council during 2012-2014.

Rodney was also the Secretary’s nominee for the [Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board](https://www.dhelkunyadja.org.au/) for implementation of the [Dja Dja Wurrung Joint Management Plan](https://www.dhelkunyadja.org.au/the-plan/joint-management-plan) for the 6 Aboriginal Titled Lands in the care of his people until December 2025.

In 2023, he was elected to the [Victorian First Peoples’ Assembly for Treaty](https://firstpeoplesvic.org/treaty/#:~:text=Treaty%20for%20Victoria%20is%20here,about%20how%20you%20can%20help.) and has been appointed Co-Chair of its Elders Voice.

Rodney was until 2025 a member of the [Federation of Victorian Traditional Owners Corporations](https://fvtoc.com.au/), serving as Chairperson though 2018-2022. He has Chaired several State Project Control Groups including the [Victorian Traditional Owner Cultural Burning Strategy 2019](https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/fuel-management-report-2018-19/statewide-achievements/cultural-fire-strategy); [Victorian Traditional Owner Game Management Strategy 2020](https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/traditional-owners/Traditional-Owner-Game-Managment-Strategy.pdf); and [Victorian Native Foods and Botanicals Strategy 2021](https://fvtoc.com.au/sections/native-foods-botanicals-strategy/), and was a member of the Victorian Environments CEO Forum for the [Victorian Biodiversity Strategy 2037](https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/biodiversity-plan), and the [Water for Victoria Plan 2016](https://www.water.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/664169/water-for-victoria-water-plan.pdf).

One of Rodney’s notable achievements was working as Development Manager for the construction and opening of the Melbourne Museum, and becoming the inaugural [Bunjilaka Aboriginal Centre](https://museumsvictoria.com.au/bunjilaka/) Manager.

Rodney is also the proud recipient of the [National Emergency Service Medal](https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awards/national-emergency-medal) for the 2009 Black Saturday Victorian Bushfires.

## Leadership Roles & Achievements

**DJAARA Leadership (10+ years)**

- Group Chief Executive Officer, [Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation](https://djadjawurrung.com.au/) (10+ years until 2025)
- Chairperson of the Board, Dja Dja Wurrung Enterprises Pty Ltd (10 years)
- Led organisation from 15 visionaries on a veranda to thriving national enterprise
- Oversaw significant organisational growth in size and economic activities
- “Twenty years ago, Dja Dja Wurrung People were virtually invisible in our own Country” – today art, culture, language and people re-embedded across Country

**Aboriginal Heritage & Cultural Governance**

- Inaugural Member, [Aboriginal Heritage Council](https://www.achm.com.au/) (2006-2024) – 18 years
- Chairperson, Aboriginal Heritage Council (August 2021)
- Previous Chairperson, Aboriginal Heritage Council (2012-2014)
- Secretary’s Nominee, [Dhelkunya Dja Land Management Board](https://www.dhelkunyadja.org.au/) (until December 2025) – Implementation of [Dja Dja Wurrung Joint Management Plan](https://www.dhelkunyadja.org.au/the-plan/joint-management-plan) for 6 Aboriginal Titled Lands

**Treaty & Political Representation**

- Member, [Victorian First Peoples’ Assembly for Treaty](https://firstpeoplesvic.org/treaty/#:~:text=Treaty%20for%20Victoria%20is%20here,about%20how%20you%20can%20help.) (elected 2023)
- Co-Chair, Elders Voice, First Peoples’ Assembly (2023-present)
- One of 24 First Nations people selected to First Peoples’ Assembly

**Traditional Owner Sector Leadership**

- Member, [Federation of Victorian Traditional Owners Corporations](https://fvtoc.com.au/) (until 2025)
- Chairperson, Federation of Victorian Traditional Owners Corporations (2018-2022)

**State Government Advisory & Strategic Roles**

- Chair, [Victorian Traditional Owner Cultural Burning Strategy 2019](https://www.ffm.vic.gov.au/fuel-management-report-2018-19/statewide-achievements/cultural-fire-strategy)– State Project Control Group
- Chair, [Victorian Traditional Owner Game Management Strategy 2020](https://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting/traditional-owners/Traditional-Owner-Game-Managment-Strategy.pdf) – State Project Control Group
- Chair, [Victorian Native Foods and Botanicals Strategy 2021](https://fvtoc.com.au/sections/native-foods-botanicals-strategy/) – State Project Control Group
- Member, Victorian Environments CEO Forum – [Victorian Biodiversity Strategy 2037](https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/biodiversity/biodiversity-plan)
- Member, [Water for Victoria Plan 2016](https://www.water.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0032/664169/water-for-victoria-water-plan.pdf)
- Member, [Loddon Campaspe Regional Partnerships Committee](https://www.rdv.vic.gov.au/regional-partnerships/loddon-campaspe) (since inception)
- [The Goldfields of Central Victoria, World Heritage Bid UNESCO](https://goldfieldsworldheritage.com.au/about-us/strategic-advisors/) – Strategic Advisor

## Key Achievements

1. [Telstra Best of Business Award Winner](https://www.telstra.com.au/small-business/best-of-business-awards) (2024) – National recognition
2. Telstra Best Indigenous Business Award (2024) – National recognition
3. [Dhelkunyangu Gatjin (Working Together to Heal Water) – Water Strategy (November 2023) – Healing waterways on Djaara Country](https://djandak.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dhelkunyangu-Gatjin-Working-together-to-heal-water-Gatjin-Strategy-2023.pdf), returning Dja Dja Wurrung people to centre of water decision-making
4. [Climate Change Strategy: Turning ‘wrong way’ climate, ‘right way’ (2023)](https://speedyassets.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/djaara/Climate-Change-Strategy-230523.pdf) – Emphasises Djaara leadership in mitigating climate change and adapting to impacts
5. Renewable Energy Strategy (2022)
6. [Galk-Galk Dhelkunya – Forest Gardening Strategy (2022)](https://www.forestry.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/BRE_8_Moraes-Dunnolly-Lee-v2.pdf) – Oversight of managing landscapes and cultural practices of caring for Country
7. Oversaw development of [Dja Dja Wurrung Corporate and Community Centre](https://djadjawurrung.com.au/projects/larnangurrak/) in Bendigo ($11.3 million funding announced November 2020)
8. Signatory and Claimant, [Dja Dja Wurrung Recognition and Settlement Agreement (2013) – Under Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010](https://www.firstpeoplesrelations.vic.gov.au/dja-dja-wurrung-recognition-and-settlement-agreement)
9. National Emergency Service Medal for 2009 Black Saturday Victorian Bushfires
10. Negotiated hand back of 6 parks in Central Victoria to ownership of Dja Dja Wurrung People
11. Developed biggest yabby farm in Southern Hemisphere on Djandak Country
12. Created DJAKITJ (‘dining room’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language) – Food and fibre enterprise combining ancient knowledge with modern agriculture and aquaculture

## Published Works

1. [Community-based approaches to biodiversity finance](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/390382376_Community-based_approaches_to_biodiversity_finance), Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability, April 2025
2. [Time of seed harvest and sowing determines successful establishment of kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra) on Dja Dja Wurrung Country](https://www.publish.csiro.au/cp/Fulltext/CP24226), Crop and Pasture Science, March 2025
3. Foreword to: [Six Peaks Speak, Unsettling Legacies in Southern Dja Dja Wurrung Country](https://barrygoanna.com/7-2/) – by Barry Golding and Clive Willman, November 2024
4. [Transdisciplinary Approaches to Understanding Past Australian Aboriginal Foodways](https://journal.equinoxpub.com/AFF/article/view/18161), Archaeology of Food and Foodways, 2023
5. [Tomorrow’s Country: Practice-oriented principles for Indigenous cultural fire research in south-east Australia](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370806979_Tomorrow's_Country_Practice-oriented_principles_for_Indigenous_cultural_fire_research_in_south-east_Australia), Geographical Research, May 2023
6. [Not Invisible, Not Silent, Not Nameless: Dja Dja Wurrung Contributions to Nineteenth-Century Goldfields Society in Central Victoria](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366342627_Not_Invisible_Not_Silent_Not_Nameless_Dja_Dja_Wurrung_Contributions_to_Nineteenth-Century_Goldfields_Society_in_Central_Victoria_Australia), Australia, Cultural and Social History, December 2022
7. [Djaara cultural authority drives inclusion of their knowledge and culture in a Joint Management Plan for parks](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358205605_Djaara_cultural_authority_drives_inclusion_of_their_knowledge_and_culture_in_a_Joint_Management_Plan_for_parks), Ecological Management & Restoration, January 2022
8. [Walking together: a decolonising experiment in bushfire management on Dja Dja Wurrung country](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330499831_Walking_together_a_decolonising_experiment_in_bushfire_management_on_Dja_Dja_Wurrung_country), Cultural Geographies, January 2019
9. [Over 200 Years Ago Experts Managed the Land](https://www.academia.edu/6910648/20140318190029_Rodney_Carter_Speech_DEPI_2013_2014) – DEPI Speech 2013-2014
10. [The Conversation](https://theconversation.com/profiles/rodney-carter-1486339) – Profile and articles
11. [A Way Forward, Juukan Gorge](https://nativetitle.org.au/sites/default/files/2021-10/AWayForward.pdf) – Contributor
12. [Djaara the Essential Ingredient](https://meanjin.com.au/essays/djaara-the-essential-ingredient/) – Meanjin

## ## Videos & Media

---

### [Sharon Reynolds](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/sharon-reynolds/)

**Published:** April 29, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Sharon Reynolds

## Global Head of First Nations and Human Rights, Woodside Energy

---

## ![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Sharon-Reynolds.png)

### Advisory Board Member

Sharon Reynolds is a member of the [Esperance Tjaltjraak native title group](https://etntac.com.au/) and maintains strong connections with the South-West and Goldfields regions of Western Australia.

Sharon has worked in the native title and resource sectors for the past 25 years in a range of roles, including Claims Case Manager at the [National Native Title Tribunal](https://www.nntt.gov.au/Pages/Home-Page.aspx), Senior Native Title Agreements Adviser at [Rio Tinto](https://www.riotinto.com/), and is currently the Global Head of First Nations and Human Rights at [Woodside Energy](https://www.woodside.com/).

A highlight of Sharon’s career was being part of the early [Indigenous Land Use Agreement](https://www.nntt.gov.au/ILUAS/Pages/default.aspx) (ILUA) negotiation team for Rio Tinto’s claim-wide ILUAs in the Pilbara and the [2023 Woodside Solar ILUA](https://www.nntt.gov.au/searchRegApps/NativeTitleRegisters/ILUA%20Register/2022/WI2022.011/ILUARegisterExport.pdf) with the [Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation](https://www.ngarluma.com.au/) (NAC), which preserves Ngarluma’s native title rights and interests.

With postgraduate qualifications in Social Impact from the [University of Western Australia](https://www.uwa.edu.au/home) and Human Rights from [Curtin University](https://www.curtin.edu.au/), Sharon continues to advance her studies in Indigenous rights, leadership, and sustainability. Her academic and professional endeavours reflect her dedication to advancing the recognition and rights of Aboriginal people.

Sharon is deeply committed to achieving meaningful native title outcomes for Traditional Owners and maximising opportunities that empower Indigenous communities.

## Leadership Roles & Achievements

- Advisory Board Member, Mabo Centre
- Board Member, [Native Title Services Goldfields](https://www.ntsg.org.au/) (NTSG)

---

### [Professor Paul Jensen](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-paul-jensen/)

**Published:** April 29, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Professor Paul Jensen

## Deputy Dean, Faculty of Business & Economics, University of Melbourne

---

## ![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Paul-Jensen.png)

### Advisory Board Member

Professor Paul Jensen is the Deputy Dean in the [Faculty of Business & Economics](https://fbe.unimelb.edu.au/) at the University of Melbourne.

He is currently the General-Secretary of the [Asia Pacific Innovation Conference](https://ap-ic.org/), which is an interdisciplinary network of scholars in economics, management and law focusing on innovation research.

Paul commenced at the [Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research](https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/) at the University of Melbourne in 2003, working with Professor Beth Webster and a team of economists affiliated with the [Intellectual Property Research Institute of Australia](https://law.unimelb.edu.au/centres/ipria) (IPRIA). He has published widely in the area of innovation economics in leading field journals ([Journal of Industrial Economics](https://www.jstor.org/journal/jinduecon), [RAND Journal of Economics](https://www.rje.org/), [Journal of International Economics](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-international-economics), [Journal of Law & Economics](https://www.jstor.org/journal/jlaweconomics)) and in general interest journals ([Review of Economics and Statistics](https://direct.mit.edu/rest), [Oxford Economic Papers](https://academic.oup.com/oep), [Cambridge Journal of Economics](https://academic.oup.com/cje)). He has been the recipient of numerous ARC Discovery and Linkage Grants over the years and is currently working on a Linkage Grant evaluating the impact of the [Indigenous Preferential Procurement Policy](https://www.niaa.gov.au/our-work/employment-and-economic-development/indigenous-procurement-policy-ipp).

He was an editor of the [Australian Economic Review](https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/publications/australian-economic-review) for 5 years and is a frequent commentator on domestic and international public policy. He was formerly Assistant Director of the [Melbourne School of Government](https://government.unimelb.edu.au/) and a Fellow of the [Oxford Intellectual Property Research Centre](https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/oiprc) and has had research visits at global institutions including [Oxford University](https://www.ox.ac.uk/), [Hitotsubashi University](https://www.hit-u.ac.jp/eng/), [Munich University](https://www.lmu.de/en/), [Polytechnic University of Turin](https://www.polito.it/en) and [Leuven University](https://www.kuleuven.be/english/kuleuven).

## Leadership Roles & Achievements

- Advisory Board Member, Mabo Centre
- Professorial Research Fellow, Melbourne Institute
- Research Fellow, [Intellectual Property Research Institute of Australia](https://law.unimelb.edu.au/centres/ipria) (IPRIA)
- IPRIA Associate and collaborative researcher
- Former Assistant Director, [Melbourne School of Government](https://government.unimelb.edu.au/)
- Former Fellow, [Oxford Intellectual Property Research Centre](https://www.law.ox.ac.uk/oiprc)
- General-Secretary, [Asia Pacific Innovation Conference](https://ap-ic.org/) (APIC) (current)
- Editor, [Australian Economic Review](https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/publications/australian-economic-review) (5 years)
- IPRIA Advisory Board Member
- Expert Panel Member, [Australian Federal Government’s National Innovation Systems Review](https://research.csiro.au/aus4innovation/wp-content/uploads/sites/578/2025/10/14.-Australian-Innovation-Systems-Overview-2023.pdf)
- Expert Panel Member, [WIPO’s](https://www.wipo.int/portal/en/) Roundtable on ‘IP and SMEs’
- Scientific Committee Member, [European Policy on Intellectual Property](https://www.epip.eu/) (EPIP) conference at Oxford (September 2016)

## Published Works

1. Chief Investigator: [Evaluating the impact of Indigenous preferential procurement programs](https://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/Web/Grant/Grant/LP200300898), ARC Linkage Grant, 2022-2026
2. [Indigenous Businesses Sector Snapshot Study, Insights from I-BLADE 1.0](https://fbe.unimelb.edu.au/cibl/assets/snapshot/RFQ03898-M-and-M-Snapshot-Study.pdf), University of Melbourne, 2022
3. Book: [What is evidence-based policy?](https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/6374608), 2013
4. Book: [The efficiency of public sector outsourcing contracts : a literature review](https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/3675881), 2004
5. Full publishing history available on [ResearchGate](https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Paul-Jensen-16)

---

### [Tim Goodwin](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/tim-goodwin/)

**Published:** April 28, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Tim Goodwin

## Barrister, Victorian Bar

---

## ![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Tim-Goodwin_crop.png)

### Advisory Board Member

Tim Goodwin is a Yuin man, with connections to Wiradjuri country through his grandmother.

Tim is a barrister at the [Victorian Bar](https://www.vicbar.com.au/) and practices primarily in commercial and public law. He was one of the Junior Counsel Assisting the [Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory](https://www.royalcommission.gov.au/child-detention) and is currently Junior Counsel Assisting the [Yoorrook Truth-telling Royal Commission](https://www.yoorrook.org.au/) in Victoria. Prior to joining the Bar, Tim worked at [Allens](https://www.allens.com.au/) as a solicitor for three years in commercial litigation, and in banking and financ

Before joining Allen’s, he served as an Associate to Justice North and Justice Bromberg of the Federal Court of Australia. He also served as Foreign Law Clerk to Justice Skweyiya of the Constitutional Court of South Africa.

Tim has a Bachelor of Arts and Laws (with Honours) from the Australian National University and a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School.

Tim is a member of the Yuin people of the South East Coast of New South Wales. He serves on a number of boards, including as a Board Member of [Museums Victoria](https://museumsvictoria.com.au/), the [Human Rights Law Centre](https://www.hrlc.org.au/), [SharingStories Foundation](https://sharingstoriesfoundation.org/) and the [Aurora Education Foundation](https://aurorafoundation.com.au/).

## Leadership Roles & Achievements

- Chair, [Aurora Education Foundation](https://aurorafoundation.com.au/) (November 2024-present)
- Board Member, [Museums Victoria](https://museumsvictoria.com.au/)
- Board Member, [Human Rights Law Centre](https://www.hrlc.org.au/)
- Board Member, [SharingStories Foundation](https://sharingstoriesfoundation.org/)
- Board Member, [Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission](https://www.humanrights.vic.gov.au/)
- Board Member, [National Apology Foundation](https://nationalapology.org/)
- Trustee, [Roberta Sykes Indigenous Education Foundation](https://aurorafoundation.com.au/our-work/indigenous-pathways-portal/scholarships/roberta-sykes-fellowship/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22168849416&gbraid=0AAAAAo_9cxUiOAactKdKFfaeztbySdOIP&gclid=CjwKCAjwtcHPBhADEiwAWo3sJjH6a8zy50joZH706mos6eJm8-YxplMU63520tQK2Tkk4Vrp3kI5XBoCV60QAvD_BwE)
- Former Trustee, [Reichstein Foundation](https://reichstein.org.au/)
- Board of Advisors, [Indigenous Law and Justice Hub](https://law.unimelb.edu.au/iljh), University of Melbourne
- Guest Lecturer, [Melbourne Law School,](https://law.unimelb.edu.au/) University of Melbourne
- Associate to Justice North, [Federal Court of Australia](https://www.fedcourt.gov.au/)
- Associate to Justice Bromberg, Federal Court of Australia
- Foreign Law Clerk to Justice Skweyiya, [Constitutional Court of South Africa](https://www.concourt.org.za/)
- Member, [Australian Bar Association First Nations Issues Committee](https://austbar.asn.au/committees/first-nations-issues-committee)
- Member, [Law Council of Australia Indigenous Legal Issues Committee](https://lawcouncil.au/about-us/advisory-committees/indigenous-legal-issues-committee)
- Member, [Commercial Bar Association Civil Procedure Committee](https://www.vicbar.com.au/Web/Web/Contents/Associations/Commercial/Areas-Specialty/Commercial-Civil-Procedure.aspx)
- Member, [Australian Association of Constitutional Law](https://www.aacl.asn.au/)
- Member, [Woor-Dungin](https://www.woor-dungin.com.au/)
- Member, [Criminal Record Discrimination Project Advisory Committee](https://cij.org.au/research-projects/criminal-record-discrimination-project/)

## Honours & Awards

1. Junior Counsel Assisting, [Yoorrook Truth-telling Royal Commission](https://www.yoorrook.org.au/), Victoria (2021-present)
2. [National Indigenous Legal Professional of the Year](https://www.barristers.com.au/news/congratulations-tim-goodwin-national-indigenous-legal-professional-of-2018/) (2018) – Recognition for Royal Commission work and pro bono commitment
3. Junior Counsel Assisting, [Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory](https://www.royalcommission.gov.au/child-detention) (2016-2017)
4. [Roberta Sykes-Harvard Club Scholar](https://hcaustralia.clubs.harvard.edu/article.html?aid=156) (2011) – Harvard Law School
5. [Doyle’s Guide – Leading Native Title Law Barrister](https://doylesguide.com/leading-native-title-barristers-australia-2026/)

## Published Works

1. Pursuit article: ‘[First Nations peoples as political designers](https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/first-nations-peoples-as-political-designers)‘ (2022) – The University of Melbourne
2. Q&A: [What education can do for Indigenous students](https://www.educationreview.com.au/2026/02/qa-indigenous-leader-tim-goodwin/), Education Review
3. White Noise Seminar Series: ‘[In Conversation with Tim Goodwin](https://law.unimelb.edu.au/iljh/resources/white-noise-of-settler-law-justice-talks/white-noise-past-events/in-conversation-with-tim-goodwin2)‘ (24 March 2024) – Indigenous Law and Justice Hub, University of Melbourne – Discussion with Dr Eddie Cubillo on truth telling and reallocation of public power
4. 3KND Radio: ‘[Caring for Country](https://www.aboriginalheritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/tim-goodwin-caring-country)‘ interview (27 May 2020) – Partnership series with Aboriginal Heritage Council

## ## Videos & Media

---

### [Rowan Foley](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/rowan-foley/)

**Published:** April 28, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Rowan Foley

## Founding Chief Executive Officer, Aboriginal Carbon Foundation

---

## ![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Rowan-Foley.png)

### Advisory Board Member

Rowan Foley is a member of the Wondunna clan of the Badtjala people, Traditional Owners of K’gari (Fraser Island), Queensland.

He is the founder and chief executive of the [Aboriginal Carbon Foundation](https://www.abcfoundation.org.au/), a non-profit organisation that connects Aboriginal communities supplying carbon credits with councils and businesses seeking to offset their carbon pollution. A ranger by trade himself, Rowan first moved to the Northern Territory in 1989 shortly after ‘hand back’ to work as a ranger at Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park. Subsequently he returned many years later with his family to be the Park Manager and implemented the $21m sunrise project.

In 1995 Rowan was employed as the [Kimberley Land Council](https://www.klc.org.au/)’s first Land Management Officer and went on to establish their Land Sea Management Unit and negotiated the first [Indigenous Protected Area at Paruku (Lake Gregory)](https://www.australiasnorthwest.com/explore/kimberley/halls-creek/paruku-lake-gregory/) in Western Australia.

Rowan is providing leadership in the area of carbon farming with environmental, social and cultural values. He has presented at the [United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change](https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/united-nations-framework-convention-on-climate-change) (UNFCCC) in Bonn and [Paris Climate Agreement](https://www.wri.org/), is a regular speaker at the [Carbon Market Institute Summit](https://carbonmarketinstitute.org/) and can often be found in remote communities working with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal rangers.

## Leadership Roles & Achievements

- Advisory Board Member, Mabo Centre
- Founding Chief Executive Officer, [Aboriginal Carbon Foundation](https://www.abcfoundation.org.au/)
- Park Manager, [Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park](https://uluru.gov.au/) (2005-2008) – Central Australia. Implemented $21 million Sunrise Project.
- First Land Management Officer, [Kimberley Land Council](https://www.klc.org.au/) (1995) – Pioneering role
- Established Kimberley Land Council [Land and Sea Management Unit](https://www.klc.org.au/land-and-sea-overview)
- Negotiated first [Indigenous Protected Area at Paruku (Lake Gregory)](https://www.australiasnorthwest.com/explore/kimberley/halls-creek/paruku-lake-gregory/) in Western Australia
- Developed concept of [Cultural Fire Credit](https://www.abcfoundation.org.au/cultural-fire-credits) (2019) in collaboration with [Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation](https://firesticks.org.au/)
- Developed [Catalyst Markets](https://catalystmarkets.com.au/) – World’s first Indigenous trading platform of environmental commodities. Cultural Fire Credits first commodity traded on platform.
- Presented at [United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change](https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/united-nations-framework-convention-on-climate-change) (UNFCCC), Bonn
- Presented at [Paris Climate Agreement](https://www.wri.org/)
- Attended [COP27 Egypt](https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/cop27) (2023) – United Nations Climate Change Conference
- [Social Enterprise World Forum](https://sewfonline.com/), Brisbane (2022) – Investor presentations

## Published Works

1. [Cultural Fire Credit: Philosophy and Guidelines Manual](https://www.abcfoundation.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Cultural-Fire-Credit-Philosophy-and-Guidelines-2022.pdf) (2022) – [Aboriginal Carbon Foundation](https://www.abcfoundation.org.au/) and [Firesticks Alliance Indigenous Corporation](https://firesticks.org.au/)
2. 100 Climate Conversations podcast/transcript – ‘[050 | 100 Rowan Foley Carbon farming and cultural burning](https://100climateconversations.com/rowan-foley)‘
3. Cosmos Magazine feature – ‘Indigenous carbon trading foundation leads the way with new platform’ (March 2023)
4. National Indigenous Times feature – ‘Aboriginal Carbon Foundation earns carbon credits with strategic cultural burning’ (January 2020)
5. Australian Rural Leadership Foundation feature – ‘[Carbon farmer Rowan nurtures Country and culture in frontier industry](https://rural-leaders.org.au/carbon-farmer-nurtures-country-and-culture-in-frontier-industry/)‘ (March 2023)
6. City of Sydney News – ‘[Aboriginal fire stick farming: close-to-home carbon offsetting](https://news.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/articles/aboriginal-fire-stick-farming-carbon-offsets)‘
7. AbCF media – ‘Strong Culture Of Innovation’ (December 2023)

## ## Videos & Media

---

### [Joanne Farrell](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/joanne-farrell/)

**Published:** April 28, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Joanne Farrell

## Chair of Safe Work Australia
Chair of Brightwater Care Group

---

## ![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Joanne-Farrell_crop.png)

### Advisory Board Member

Joanne Farrell is the current Chair of [Safe Work Australia](https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/) and Chair of [Brightwater Care Group](https://brightwatergroup.com/). Her non-executive director roles include those with the [Royal Flying Doctor Service (Western Operations)](https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/wa/), Senate of the [University of Western Australia](https://www.uwa.edu.au/home), and Deputy Chair of the [Queen Elizabeth II Medical Trust](https://www.qeiimc.health.wa.gov.au/). She is a member of the [AICD](https://www.aicd.com.au/) and [Chief Executive Women](https://cew.org.au/).

Throughout her career Joanne has been active in supporting First Nations capacity building and reconciliation and has been active in many gender equity related organisations along with mentoring women in both the Mining Industry and Not-For-Profit organisations. She was recognised for contributions to gender equity with awards from the [Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia](https://cmewa.com.au/), [Financial Review’s Women of Influence](https://live.afr.com/womenofinfluence/awards/) and [Women in Mining International](https://internationalwim.org/).

Joanne holds qualifications in Psychology, Economics and Executive Management from [University of Western Australia](https://www.uwa.edu.au/home), [Curtin University](https://www.curtin.edu.au/), [Australian Graduate School of Management (UNSW)](https://www.unsw.edu.au/business/our-schools/agsm) and [London Business School](https://www.london.edu/).

Joanne’s career has included leadership roles in Human Resources, Government and Community Relations, Health, Safety, Security and Environment and Communications. She has worked in most States of Australia, the UK and the USA.

## Leadership Roles & Achievements

- Advisory Board Member, Mabo Centre
- Chair, [Safe Work Australia](https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/) (February 2022 – present) – Three-year term appointment
- Chair, [Brightwater Care Group](https://brightwatergroup.com/) – Aged care, disability and retirement services provider (WA-based)
- Deputy Chair, [Royal Flying Doctor Service (Western Operations)](https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/wa/) (appointed 2026) – Board member since 2019
- Deputy Chair, [Queen Elizabeth II Medical Trust](https://www.qeiimc.health.wa.gov.au/)
- Non-Executive Director, [Royal Flying Doctor Service (Western Operations)](https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/wa/) (2019-2026, then Deputy Chair)
- Member, Senate of the [University of Western Australia](https://www.uwa.edu.au/home)
- Deputy Chair, [Brightwater Care Group](https://brightwatergroup.com/) (April 2022, elevated to Chair)
- Director, [Business Council of Australia](https://www.bca.com.au/) – Member Economic Policy and Competitiveness Committee; Member Governance and Citizenship Committee
- Director, [Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts](https://pica.org.au/) (PICA)
- Director, [Western Australia Museums](https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/)
- Member, [Western Australian State Training Board](https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/western-australian-state-training-board)
- Member, [Perth’s Central Institute of Technology’s Advisory Council](https://www.northmetrotafe.wa.edu.au/about-us)
- Special Advisor, [Male Champions of Change](https://championsofchangecoalition.org/)
- Co-Chair, 2017 B20 Energy, Climate and Resource Efficiency Taskforce

## Honours & Awards

1. [Chamber of Minerals and Energy Western Australia](https://cmewa.com.au/) – Women in Resources Champion Award (2012)
2. Australian Financial Review and Westpac – [100 Women of Influence](https://live.afr.com/womenofinfluence/) (2017)
3. [Women in Mining International](https://internationalwim.org/) – Recognition for contributions to gender equity
4. First female Managing Director Australia in [Rio Tinto](https://www.riotinto.com/) history (2016)
5. First Executive Committee member with safety as discrete accountability unit (2016)
6. Appointed Chair of [Safe Work Australia](https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/) – National WHS policy leadership role
7. Keynote Speaker, [International Mine Health and Safety Conference 2026](https://www.ausimm.com/conferences-and-events/mine-health-and-safety/)

## Published Works

1. Interview: [Joanne Farrell – Mining Executive career based on performance](https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/joanne-farrell-mining-executive-career-based-on-performance/id1685804057?i=1000679279726) on Tough Talk with Jody Rowe
2. Interview Transcript: [Oral history interview session with Julia Wallis](https://purl.slwa.wa.gov.au/slwa_b6829456_2.pdf) on behalf of the State Library of Western Australia for the Mining and Energy Western Australia (MEWA) Archive

---

### [Professor Marcia Langton AO](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-marcia-langton/)

**Published:** April 27, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Professor Marcia Langton AO

## Foundation Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies, University of Melbourne

---

## ![Portrait of an older woman with silver hair wearing a light blue coat in a stone archway background.](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Professor-Marcia-Langton-scaled.jpg)

### Mabo Centre Co-Chair

Professor Marcia Langton AO is an anthropologist and geographer, and since 2000 she has held the [Foundation Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies](https://arts.unimelb.edu.au/school-of-culture-and-communication/discipline-areas/indigenous-studies) at the University of Melbourne.

Professor Langton has produced a large body of knowledge in the areas of political and legal anthropology, Indigenous agreements and engagement with the minerals industry, and Indigenous culture and art. Her role in the [Empowered Communities project](https://empoweredcommunities.org.au/) under contract to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and as a member of the Expert Panel on [Constitutional Recognition of Indigenous Australians](https://humanrights.gov.au/know-your-rights/rights-of-individuals/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples-rights/articles-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/about-constitutional-recognition) are evidence of Professor Langton’s academic reputation, policy commitment and impact, alongside her role as a prominent public intellectual.

Her 2012 Boyer lecture series titled [The Quiet Revolution: Indigenous People and the Resources Boom](https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/6189006) is one of her recent contributions to public debate, and added to her influence and reputation in government and private sector circles.

## Leadership Roles & Achievements

Professor Langton is a [Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences](https://socialsciences.org.au/academy-fellow/?sId=0032v000033l9UeAAI) in Australia, a [Fellow of Trinity College](https://www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/about/people/fellows-and-senior-fellows), Melbourne and an [Honorary Fellow of Emmanuel College at the University of Queensland](https://news.uq.edu.au/2016-02-25-distinguished-aboriginal-scholar-made-honorary-fellow).

In 1993 she was made a member of the [Order of Australia](https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awards/order-australia) in recognition of her work in anthropology and the advocacy of Aboriginal rights. In 2016 Professor Langton was honoured as a [University of Melbourne Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor](https://about.unimelb.edu.au/notable-alumni-staff/distinguished-professors). In further recognition as one of Australia’s most respected Indigenous academics, Professor Langton was appointed as the first [Associate Provost at the University of Melbourne](https://about.unimelb.edu.au/leadership/senior-leadership/provost/prof-marcia-langton) in 2017.

## Honours & Awards

1. Inaugural winner, [Rechnitz Memorial Award](https://www.atse.org.au/who-we-are/our-fellows/all-fellows/marcia-langton/), Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (2025)
2. Honorary Fellow, [Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering](https://www.atse.org.au/) (2021)
3. [Officer of the Order of Australia](https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awards/order-australia) (AO) (2020) – For distinguished service to tertiary education and advocacy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
4. Listed 7th in Australia’s top 40 public intellectuals by API Network (2008)
5. Named one of Australia’s top 20 intellectuals by The Sydney Morning Herald (2005)
6. [Member of the Order of Australia](https://www.gg.gov.au/australian-honours-and-awards/order-australia) (AM) (1993) – For service in anthropology and advocacy of Aboriginal rights
7. Fellow of the [Academy of Social Sciences](https://socialsciences.org.au/academy-fellow/?sId=0032v000033l9UeAAI) in Australia (FASSA)
8. Fellow of [Trinity College](https://www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/about/people/fellows-and-senior-fellows), Melbourne
9. [Honorary Fellow of Emmanuel College](https://www.emmanuel.uq.edu.au/), University of Queensland
10. [University Medal, Charles Darwin University](https://policies.cdu.edu.au/view-current.php?id=115) (1995)

## Published Works

1. [Law: The Way of the Ancestors (co-authored with Aaron Corn, 2023)](https://thamesandhudson.com.au/products/first-knowledges-law)
2. [Welcome to Country: A Travel Guide to Indigenous Australia (2018, 2nd edition 2021) ](https://publishing.hardiegrant.com/en-au/books/marcia-langton-welcome-to-country-2nd-edition-by-marcia-langton/9781741177435)
3. [It’s Our Country: Indigenous Arguments for Meaningful Constitutional Recognition and Reform](https://www.amazon.com.au/Its-Our-Country-Megan-Davis/dp/0522869939) (co-authored with Megan Davis, 2016)
4. [The Boyer Lectures 2012: The Quiet Revolution: Indigenous People and the Resources Boom (2012)](https://www.harpercollins.com.au/9780733331633/boyer-lectures-2012/)
5. [First Australians: an illustrated history](https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4464619) (co-edited with Rachel Perkins, 2010) – Companion book to the landmark SBS documentary series
6. [Settling with Indigenous People: Modern Treaty and Agreement-Making (edited, 2006) ](https://federationpress.com.au/product/settling-with-indigenous-people/)
7. [Honour Among Nations? Treaties and Agreements with Indigenous People (edited, 2004)](https://www.mup.com.au/books/honour-among-nations/9780522851069)
8. [Burning Questions: Emerging Environmental Issues for Indigenous Peoples in Northern Australia (1998)](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268363095_Burning_Questions_Emerging_Environmental_Issues_for_Indigenous_Peoples_in_Northern_Australia)

## ## Videos & Media

gy

---

### [Florence Drummond](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/florence-drummond/)

**Published:** April 28, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Florence Drummond

### Advisory Board Member

---

## ![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Florence-Drummond__555x605.png)

Florence Drummond, a Dauareb Wuthathi woman, is a recognised leader in advancing Traditional Owner partnerships across the mining and major projects value chain. She is an entrepreneur and innovator, dedicated to sustaining strength-based narratives that galvanise local ecosystems and drive economic advancement.

Florence champions the integration of Traditional Owner participation as a cornerstone of a just transition, aligning industry operations with community aspirations. Her entrepreneurial approach highlights the value of innovation in creating sustainable pathways for ecosystem development, ensuring that First Nations voices remain central to progress and prosperity.

Her global advocacy for First Nations women in the minerals sector has taken her to mining jurisdictions worldwide, fostering inclusive dialogues and transformative partnerships. She has collaborated with the [University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute](https://smi.uq.edu.au/), contributed to multi-year initiatives at the [United Nations Commission on the Status of Women](https://unwomen.org.au/), and represented Australia at [APEC](https://www.apec.org/) and [UNESCAP](https://www.unescap.org/) forums.

Florence’s leadership in relationship building for ESG principles and Sustainable Development Goals bridges global mechanisms with local solutions, ensuring impactful and enduring outcomes. In 2023, she was recognised as one of [WA Business News’ 40 Under 40](https://www.businessnews.com.au/40under40-Awards) and named amongst [Women in Mining UK’s 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining](https://www.womeninmining.org.uk/wim100/).

As an advisory board member of the [Centre for Australia-India Relations](https://www.australiaindiacentre.org.au/), Florence is committed to building future leaders for Directorship roles. Her expertise in entrepreneurship, innovation, and Traditional Owner participation positions her as a visionary authority on fostering sustainable, inclusive economic growth within local and global frameworks.

## Leadership Roles & Achievements

- Advisory Board Member, Mabo Centre
- Non-Executive Director, [Taiton Resources](https://www.taiton.com.au/) (ASX listed)
- Advisory Board Member, [Centre for Australia-India Relations](https://www.australiaindiacentre.org.au/) – Building future leaders for directorship roles
- First Indigenous Visiting Fellow, [Sustainable Minerals Institute](https://smi.uq.edu.au/) (SMI), University of Queensland (2021)
- Memorandum of Understanding with [AusIMM](https://www.ausimm.com/) – Unite organisations in supporting Indigenous contribution to industry
- [IMARC](https://imarcglobal.com/) Partnership – First Nations Partner, raising profile of First Nations women and contributing to best practice solutions
- Femeconomy Platinum Member ([IWIMRA](https://www.facebook.com/iwimra/))
- Collaboration with [Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining](https://smi.uq.edu.au/csrm), University of Queensland
- Built [IWIMRA](https://www.facebook.com/iwimra/) from concept to nationally recognised peak body over 8 years
- Only Torres Strait Islander delegate from Australia, [United Nations 63rd Commission on the Status of Women](https://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/commission-on-the-status-of-women), New York (March 2019)
- Multi-year initiatives contributor, [UN Commission on the Status of Women](https://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/commission-on-the-status-of-women)
- Australian delegation representation, [Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation](https://www.apec.org/) (APEC) forums
- Australian delegation representation, [United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific](https://www.unescap.org/) (UNESCAP), Bangkok
- First Indigenous Visiting Fellow, [Sustainable Minerals Institute](https://smi.uq.edu.au/), University of Queensland (2021) – Contributing to literature on Indigenous women in mining globally

## Honours & Awards

1. [WA Business News 40 Under 40 Awards](https://www.businessnews.com.au/40under40-Awards) (2023)
2. [Women in Mining UK’s 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining](https://www.womeninmining.org.uk/wim100/) (2023)
3. [Women in Mining UK (WIMUK) Global Top 100 Most Influential Women in Mining](https://www.womeninmining.org.uk/wim100/) (2020) – joining elite alumni of influential women leaders
4. [Weipa Citizen of the Year](https://www.weipatownauthority.com.au/Living-Here/Resident-Information/Australia-Day-Awards) (2019)
5. Finalist, [Queensland Resources Council Resources Awards for Women](https://www.qrc.org.au/events/event/resources-awards-for-women/) (2019)
6. First Nations Partner Address, [International Mining and Resources Conference](https://imarcglobal.com/) (IMARC) (2022)
7. Panel Chair, ‘Indigenous Participation Across the Supply Chain’ – [IMARC](https://imarcglobal.com/) panel of influential industry leaders discussing engagement and procurement of Indigenous businesses
8. [Speaker](https://imarcglobal.com/speakers/florence-drummond), IMARC conferences (multiple years)

## Published Works

1. Co-author: ‘[What did I get myself into? Indigenous Women’s participation in the Australian Mining Industry](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214790X22001605)‘ – First academic paper with Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) Research Fellow Joni Parmenter, University of Queensland
2. ‘[Florence Drummond: A voice to be heard](https://www.ausimm.com/bulletin/bulletin-articles/florence-drummond-a-voice-to-be-heard/)‘, AusIMM Bulletin article
3. ‘[First Nations engagement is vital to indigenous businesses and a successful mining supply chain](https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/997351/)‘, Proactive Investors, November 2022
4. ‘[The Future of Indigenous Women in Mining and Its Challenges](https://www.brilliant-online.com/post/the-future-of-indigenous-women-in-mining-and-its-challenges)‘, Brilliant Magazine feature – Samso ESG Conversation Series, January 2022
5. ‘[CEO and Co-founder, Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia (IWIMRA)](https://www.areea.com.au/news-media/media-center/podcast/florence-drummond-iwimra/)‘, AREEA Podcast, June 2021
6. ‘[Indigenous Women in Mining and Resources Australia](https://soundcloud.com/user-5209888-277130397/florence-drummond-indigenous-women-in-mining-and-resources-australia)‘, Westpac Davidson Institute interview, Davidson Institute Podcast
7. ‘[IWIMRA: making voices heard](https://miningdigital.com/sustainability/iwimra-making-voices-heard)‘, Mining Digital feature, May 2020
8. ‘[Florence Drummond – Empowering Indigenous women in mining](https://smi.uq.edu.au/article/2021/07/florence-drummond-%E2%80%93-empowering-indigenous-women-mining)‘, Sustainable Minerals Institute feature, July 2022
9. ‘[Female Leader, Florence Drummond](https://internationalwim.org/female-leader-florence-drummond-indigenous-women-in-mining-resources-australia/)‘, International Women in Mining profile, March 2023

## ## Videos & Media

---

### [Ned David](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/ned-david/)

**Published:** April 28, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Ned David

## Chair, Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK)
Chair, Torres Strait Islanders Regional Education Council (TSIREC) 
Director, Yumi Education Services

---

## ![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Ned-David.png)

### Advisory Board Member

Ned David is a Kulkalaig, a Traditional Owner of the Central Islands of the Torres Strait.

His homeland of Magan includes Tudu (Warrior Island), Iama (Yam Island), Gebarr (Gabba Island), Mucar (Cap Island), Sassie and Zagai, the surrounding reefs of Wapa (Warrior reef) and Thidu (Dungeness reef). Ned has family connections to the Komet tribe of Mer (Murray Island) through his mother and to the Doeybaw clan of Saibai Island through his father.

Ned is a respected leader and the current Chair of the [Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal Corporation](https://www.gbk.org.au/) (GBK).

Extending his strong commitment to cultural and community excellence, he is also the Chair of the [Magani Lagaugal Registed Native Title Body Corporate](https://nativetitle.org.au/find/pbc/4017) (RNTBC), the [Malu Lamar RNTBC](https://nativetitle.org.au/find/pbc/8051) and the [Torres Strait Islanders Regional Education Council](https://www.tsirec.com.au/).

Ned’s career background includes working closely with all levels of government and the private sector.

## Leadership Roles & Achievements

**Peak Body Leadership**

- Chair, [Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK)](https://www.gbk.org.au/) – Peak body for 22 Registered Native Title Body Corporates (RNTBCs) in Torres Strait – 100% Indigenous-controlled not-for-profit body
- Chair, [Torres Strait Islanders Regional Education Council (TSIREC)](https://tsirec.com.au/) –
- Director, [Yumi Education Services](https://www.yumi.org.au/)

**Native Title Leadership**

- Chair, [Magani Lagaugal Registered Native Title Body Corporate](https://nativetitle.org.au/find/pbc/4017) (RNTBC)
- Chair, [Malu Lamar Registered Native Title Body Corporate](https://nativetitle.org.au/find/pbc/8051) (RNTBC)
- Native Title Service Provider role – GBK became NTSP for Torres Strait (July 2022)

**Climate & Environmental Leadership**

- Steering Committee Member, [Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area Climate Resilience Centre](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/policy/torres-strait-northern-peninsula-area-climate-resilience-centre) – $15.9 million investment over 6 years (2022-23 to 2027-28)
- Climate Resilience Grant Program advocacy – Up to $10.8 million over 3 years for recruitment and training of local climate resilience officers
- Co-signatory, [Land and Sea Management Strategy for Torres Strait (2016-2036)](https://www.tsra.gov.au/news-and-resources/publications/land-and-sea-management-strategy-for-torres-strait-2016-2036) –

**National & Advisory Board Positions**

- Board Member, [National Native Title Council (NNTC)](https://nntc.com.au/) (2020)
- Advisory Board Member, Mabo Centre
- Member, [Country Needs People](https://www.countryneedspeople.org.au/) campaign

## Published Works

1. [AIATSIS Summit 2023 Mabo Lecture](https://aiatsis.gov.au/whats-new/news/ned-david-chair-gur-baradharaw-kod-will-deliver-aiatsis-summit-2023-mabo-lecture) – Delivered by Ned David
2. Foreword contributor, Recording Kastom publication (2021)
3. Co-signatory, [Land and Sea Management Strategy for Torres Strait (2016-2036)](https://www.tsra.gov.au/wp-content/tsra-archive/data/assets/pdf_file/0004/11785/TSRA-Land-and-Sea-Strategy-2016-2020-Summary-FINAL-WEB-VERSION.pdf)
4. [Towards Torres Strait Autonomy: An Interview With GBK’s Ned David](https://www.sydneycriminallawyers.com.au/blog/towards-torres-strait-autonomy-an-interview-with-gbks-ned-david/) – Sydney Criminal Lawyers (March 2020)
5. [ABC News – Country Needs People](https://www.countryneedspeople.org.au/ned_david_abc_news) campaign

---

### [Jamie Lowe](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/jamie-lowe/)

**Published:** April 27, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Jamie Lowe

## CEO of the National Native Title Council (NNTC)

---

## ![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Jamie-Lowe.png)

### Co-Chair

Jamie Lowe is a Gundjitmara Djabwurrung man serving as the CEO of the [National Native Title Council (NNTC)](https://nntc.com.au/) and inaugural Co-Chair of the Mabo Centre, established to promote Traditional Owner economic and social empowerment through a partnership with the [University of Melbourne](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/).

With a dedication to advocating for First Nations peoples’ self-determination, Jamie has played a pivotal role in various significant initiatives. He was instrumental in negotiating the [Closing the Gap Agreement](https://www.closingthegap.gov.au/national-agreement#:~:text=The%20National%20Agreement%20on%20Closing%20the%20Gap,Achieve%20life%20outcomes%20equal%20to%20all%20Australians), which took effect in July 2020, and currently represents the NNTC as a Joint Council member of the [Coalition of the Peaks](https://www.coalitionofpeaks.org.au/), advising on economic development and supporting national cooperation on Closing the Gap initiatives.

In 2021, he was appointed Indigenous Specialist Representative for the [Australian Heritage Council](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/parks-heritage/heritage/organisations/australian-heritage-council), advising the Australian Government on heritage matters. Prior to his role at the NNTC, Jamie was the CEO of the [Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation](https://easternmaar.com.au/), which holds native title rights in southwestern Victoria, including the Great Ocean Road. He is also an inaugural member of the [First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria](https://firstpeoplesvic.org/), which is negotiating a Treaty with the Victorian Government.

Internationally, Jamie represents the NNTC at the [United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues](https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/unpfii), contributing to discussions on Indigenous rights and advocacy. His work, both nationally and internationally, emphasizes creating economic independence while preserving cultural identity, as he champions a national Treaty and other initiatives for Traditional Owners and communities across Australia. Jamie remains committed to supporting his community and fostering economic empowerment for First Nations people.

## Leadership Roles

- Co-Chair, The Mabo Centre (2024-present) – Partnership between [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/) and [University of Melbourne](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/)
- CEO, [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/our-people/) (2019-present) – Previously Chair (2017-2019) –
- Joint Council Member, [Coalition of the Peaks](https://www.coalitionofpeaks.org.au/) (2020-present) – Instrumental in negotiating the Closing the Gap Agreement
- Indigenous Specialist Representative, [Australian Heritage Council](https://www.dcceew.gov.au/parks-heritage/heritage/organisations/australian-heritage-council) (2021-present) – Principal adviser to Australian Government on heritage matters
- Reserved Seat Representative, [First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria](https://firstpeoplesvic.org/members/jamie-lowe/) (2019-present) – Representing Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation –
- Indigenous Specialist Representative, Victorian Heritage Council (2018-present)
- NNTC Representative, [United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues](https://social.desa.un.org/issues/indigenous-peoples/unpfii) (UNPFII) – High-level advisory body to [UN Economic and Social Council](https://ecosoc.un.org/en)
- Former CEO, [Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation](https://easternmaar.com.au/) (2011-2019) – Led successful native title determinations in 2011 and 2023

## Key Achievements

1. Led Eastern Maar to successful native title determinations in 2011 and 2023, covering 8,500 square kilometres including the Great Ocean Road and Twelve Apostles
2. Instrumental in negotiating the National Agreement on Closing the Gap (2020) – First national agreement developed in genuine partnership between governments and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peak organisations
3. Key advocate following Juukan Gorge destruction (2020), calling for comprehensive cultural heritage reform and increased Traditional Owner decision-making power
4. Established The Mabo Centre (2024) as inaugural Co-Chair, creating a partnership between NNTC and University of Melbourne to promote Traditional Owner economic and social empowerment

## Published Works

1. [Statement on PM Albanese’s Vision for First Nations Economic Futures at Garma](https://nntc.com.au/2024/08/03/national-native-title-council-welcomes-pm-albaneses-vision-for-first-nations-economic-futures-at-garma/) (August 2024)
2. [2024 Mabo Lecture at AIATSIS Summit](https://nntc.com.au/jamie-lowe-mabo-lecture-aiatsis-summit-2024/) (July 2024)
3. [Statement on Tjiwarl Palyakuwa Historic Agreement](https://nntc.com.au/2023/05/24/nntc-celebrates-historic-agreement-achieved-by-the-tjiwarl-people-of-the-goldfields-region-western-australia/) (May 2023) – Celebrating groundbreaking compensation agreement in Western Australia
4. [Statement on Eastern Maar Native Title Determination](https://www.standard.net.au/story/8139022/eastern-maar-people-recognised-in-native-title-decision/) (March 2023) – Historic recognition of land rights covering the Great Ocean Road
5. [Statement on WA Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill](https://nntc.com.au/media_releases/nntc-supports-call-for-a-halt-to-passing-draft-wa-heritage-bill-cites-lack-of-consultation-lack-of-heritage-protection-financial-risks/) (September 2021) – Calling for halt to draft legislation
6. [Statement on Juukan Gorge Anniversary](https://nntc.com.au/2021/05/24/juukan-gorge-one-year-on-still-awaiting-reform/) (May 2021) – One year on and still awaiting reform
7. [Statement on Deaths in Custody](https://nntc.com.au/2021/04/15/nntc-30-years-on-deaths-in-custody-a-national-shame/) (April 2021) – 30 years on, deaths in custody a national shame
8. [Statement on Closing the Gap Agreement](https://nntc.com.au/2020/02/11/closing-the-gap/) (February 2020)
9. [Statement on Rio Tinto Dismissals](https://nntc.com.au/2020/09/11/national-native-title-council-welcomes-rio-tinto-dismissals/) (September 2020) – Following Juukan Gorge destruction

## ## Videos & Media

---

### [Professor Paul Kofman](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/our-people/professor-paul-kofman/)

**Published:** April 27, 2026
**Author:** Melanie King

**Content:**

# Professor Paul Kofman

## Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics and Sidney Myer Chair of Commerce at the University of Melbourne

---

## ![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/1_Paul-Kofman.png)

### Advisory Board Member

Professor Paul Kofman is [Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics](https://fbe.unimelb.edu.au/our-people/staff/finance/paul-kofman) and Sidney Myer Chair of Commerce at the University of Melbourne.

He holds a PhD in Economics (1991) from Erasmus University Rotterdam and came to Australia in 1994 as a Lecturer in Econometrics at Monash University. He joined the University of Melbourne in 2001 as a Professor of Finance after appointments at the University of New South Wales and the University of Technology, Sydney. He was Head of the Department of Finance from 2006 until 2010, then progressed to Deputy Dean in 2010. He was appointed Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics in 2012.

Paul has undertaken consultancy work for the European Options Exchange, the New York Board of Trade, the Central European University, several Dutch investment banks, the Dutch Centre for Actuarial Statistics, and the Australian Office of Financial Market.

His main research interest is in quantitative finance and the ethics of finance; the latter of which he continues to teach. With colleague and co-author of the book A Matter of Trust, Clare Payne, they introduced [Ethics in Finance](https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/subjects/fnce30009) as one of the first online subjects at the University of Melbourne. With Associate Professor Sean Pinder, Paul designed and developed the first Coursera MOO specialisation, ‘[Essentials of Corporate Financial Analysis and Decision Making](https://www.coursera.org/specializations/learn-finance)’, in partnership with the Bank of New York Mellon.

Paul was one of the founding directors of the ARC-funded [Financial Integrity Research Network](https://www.firn.org.au/) which to this date provides a strong, cohesive and efficient approach toward supporting research and research training in the Australian finance academic community.

## Leadership Roles

- Co-Chair, The Mabo Centre (2024-present) – Partnership between NNTC and University of Melbourne
- Dean, [Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Melbourne](https://fbe.unimelb.edu.au/) (2012-present) – Appointed May 2012
- Sidney Myer Chair of Commerce, [University of Melbourne](https://www.unimelb.edu.au/) (current)
- Deputy Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Melbourne (2010-2012)
- Head of Department of Finance, University of Melbourne (2006-2010)
- Professor of Finance, University of Melbourne (2001-present)
- Member, [Committee for Economic Development of Australia](https://www.ceda.com.au/) (CEDA) Council on Economic Policy
- Founding Director, ARC-funded [Financial Integrity Research Network](https://www.firn.org.au/)
- Associate Editor, [Journal of International Money and Finance](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/journal-of-international-money-and-finance/)
- Associate Editor, International Journal of Managerial Finance
- Associate Editor, Review of Futures Markets
- Associate Professor of Finance, [UNSW Sydney](https://www.unsw.edu.au/) (prior to 2001)
- Professor of Finance and Economics, [University of Technology Sydney](https://www.uts.edu.au/) (prior to 2001)
- Lecturer and Senior Lecturer in Econometrics, [Monash University](https://www.monash.edu/) (1994-late 1990s)
- Assistant Professor (Universitair Docent), [Erasmus University Rotterdam](https://www.eur.nl/en) (prior to 1994)

## Key Achievements

1. Co-developed, with Associate Professor Sean Pinder, the first Coursera MOOC specialisation ‘[Essentials of Corporate Financial Analysis and Decision Making](https://www.coursera.org/specializations/learn-finance)‘ in partnership with Bank of New York Mellon
2. Co-created, with Clare Payne, ‘[Ethics in Finance](https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/subjects/fnce30009)‘ – one of the first online subjects at University of Melbourne for postgraduate students
3. Numerous [Australian Research Council](https://www.arc.gov.au/) (ARC) Discovery Grants
4. Extensive [research publications and citations](https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Paul-Kofman-8491499) across financial economics literature
5. Continues to teach ethics in finance at University of Melbourne

## Published Works

1. [A Matter of Trust: The Practice of Ethics in Finance](https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Matter-of-Trust/Paul-Kofman/9780522871708), co-authored with Clare Payne, 2017/2018 – Melbourne University Publishing
2. [Scoring the Ethics of AI Robo-Advice: Why We Need Gateways and Ratings](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10551-024-05753-5) (2024) – Journal of Business Ethics
3. [Does Australia Need a New Banking Model?](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277337199_Does_Australia_Need_a_New_Banking_Model) with Carsten Murawski, 2015 – Australian Economic Review
4. [Do Insurance Companies Possess an Informational Monopoly? Empirical Evidence From Auto Insurance](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259551223_Do_Insurance_Companies_Possess_an_Informational_Monopoly_Empirical_Evidence_From_Auto_Insurance) with Gregory P. Nini, 2013 – Journal of Risk & Insurance
5. [Is Default Risk Priced in Australian Equity? Exploring the Role of the Business Cycle](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228316504_Is_Default_Risk_Priced_in_Australian_Equity_Exploring_the_Role_of_the_Business_Cycle) with Howard Chan and Robert Faff, 2011 – Australian Journal of Management
6. [Stock margins and the conditional probability of price reversals](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/23529692_Stock_margins_and_the_condition_probability_of_price_reversals) with James T. Moser, 2001 – Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Economic Perspectives
7. [Young Australians worry about job prospects](https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/young-australians-disillusioned-by-job-prospects) (2024) – Pursuit by University of Melbourne
8. Regular [contributor to The Conversation](https://theconversation.com/profiles/paul-kofman-7378) on ethics in finance and financial services

---

### [Resources](https://mabocentre.com/resources/)

**Published:** February 25, 2025
**Author:** NGNY

**Content:**

# Explore the latest insights from the Mabo Centre

1. [View All](?f=)
2. [Clean Energy](?f=clean-energy)
3. [Land and Sea Rights](?f=land-and-sea-rights)
4. [Publications](?f=publications)
5. [Submissions](?f=submissions)
6. [Toolkits & Guides](?f=toolkits-guides)
7. [Treaties and Agreements](?f=treaties-and-agreements)

[![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Grampians-National-Park_1.jpg)July 8, 2026 /

2. Submissions

    /

### Submission to the Inquiry on Creating sustainable economic growth in rural and regional Australia

The Terms of Reference in respect of the current Inquiry require the Committee to “inquire into and report on creating

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/resources/submission-to-the-inquiry-on-creating-sustainable-economic-growth-in-rural-and-regional-australia/)[![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kimberley-3.jpg)December 8, 2025 /

2. Land and Sea Rights

    /
3. Submissions

    /

### Submission to the Attorney General’s Department’s evaluation of the 2021 amendments to the Native Title Act 1993

This submission provides a detailed evaluation of the 2021 amendments to the Native Title Act 1993, assessing how each schedule

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/resources/submission-to-the-attorney-generals-departments-evaluation-of-the-2021-amendments-to-the-native-title-act-1993/)[![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Longmore-Lagoon-Yorta.jpg)August 5, 2025 /

2. Land and Sea Rights

    /
3. Submissions

    /

### Advocating for a Fairer Future Acts Regime – Together

We’re proud to share a joint submission from the Mabo Centre and the National Native Title Council (NNTC) in response

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/resources/pushing-for-a-fairer-future-acts-regime-together/)[![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/energy.jpg)May 15, 2025 /

2. Clean Energy

    /
3. Toolkits & Guides

    /

### Resourcing the energy transition for equity and justice

Principles to guide critical energy transition minerals towards equity and justice UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals The

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/resources/resourcing-the-energy-transition/)[![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/windmills-2181904_1280.jpg)May 15, 2025 /

2. Clean Energy

    /
3. Publications

    /
4. Treaties and Agreements

    /

### Traditional Owner clean energy agreement-making

Understanding emerging models of financial benefit-sharing and co-ownership Dr Kathryn Thorburn and Dr Lily O’Neill, University of Melbourne April 2025

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/resources/traditional-owner-clean-energy-agreement-making/)

---

### [News](https://mabocentre.com/news/)

**Published:** February 26, 2025
**Author:** NGNY

**Content:**

# News, Updates & Events

1. [Events](?f=events)
2. [In the News](?f=news)
3. [Media Statements](?f=media-statements)
4. 

[![Featured image for “Towards a First Nations critical minerals strategy: A moment in time”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/1782737005406.jpg)July 9, 2026 /

2. In the News

    /

### Towards a First Nations critical minerals strategy: A moment in time

Australia stands at one of the most significant economic crossroads in its modern history. The global race for critical minerals…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/07/09/towards-a-first-nations-critical-minerals-strategy-a-moment-in-time/)[![Featured image for “Fulfilling the promise of Mabo: summary of the ALRC Report 144”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mabo_Art_Crop0.jpg)June 24, 2026 /

2. /

### Fulfilling the promise of Mabo: summary of the ALRC Report 144

On 24 June 2026, the Commonwealth Attorney-General tabled in Parliament the latest report of the Australian Law Reform Commission (the…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/06/24/fulfilling-the-promise-of-mabo-summary-of-the-alrc-report-144/)[![Featured image for “Towards an Australian First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/iStock-2246501892-scaled.jpg)June 17, 2026 /

2. Events

    /

### Towards an Australian First Nations Critical Minerals Strategy

The Mabo Centre, in partnership with the National Native Title Council (NNTC) and Aboriginal Enterprises in Mining, Energy and Exploration…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/06/17/towards-an-australian-first-nations-critical-minerals-strategy/)[![Featured image for “Celebrating Mabo Day”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Mabo-Day-Event-2026-Low-Res-48.jpg)June 4, 2026 /

2. In the News

    /

### Celebrating Mabo Day

On Mabo Day we honour the courage and strength of Eddie Koiki Mabo. The Centre had the privilege of hosting…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/06/04/celebrating-mabo-day/)[![Featured image for “Sharing our knowledge at AIATSIS Summit”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/25049aiatsissummit2026websitebanner1900x650px.jpg)May 12, 2026 /

2. Events

    /

### Sharing our knowledge at AIATSIS Summit

The Mabo Centre is proud to sponsor the 2026 Mabo Lecture and participate in five days of knowledge-sharing and connection building at AIATSIS…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/05/12/aiatsis-summit-2026/)[![Featured image for “Deciding loss: the McArthur River Compensation claim”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/EventBrite-Header.jpg)April 30, 2026 /

2. In the News

    /

### Deciding loss: the McArthur River Compensation claim

Join us for a panel discussion on the McArthur River compensation claim and its implications for anthropology, law and Indigenous politics. Mabo…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/04/30/deciding-loss-the-mcarthur-river-compensation-claim/)[![Featured image for “Secure your place at the Mabo Centre’s next industry training seminar”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Email-Header_Newsletter-2.png)April 17, 2026 /

2. Events

    /

### Secure your place at the Mabo Centre’s next industry training seminar

An introduction to land rights in Australia for practitioners engaged in land-related projects involving native title and (or) cultural heritage.…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/04/17/secure-your-place-at-the-mabo-centres-next-industry-training-seminar/)[![Featured image for “A legacy carried forward: honouring Eddie Koiki Mabo”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/IMG_4785-scaled-e1774581591874.jpg)April 8, 2026 /

2. In the News

    /

### A legacy carried forward: honouring Eddie Koiki Mabo

In early 2025 Kaleb Mabo, grandson of Eddie Koiki Mabo, visited the Mabo Centre. He has generously shared his reflections…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/04/08/a-legacy-carried-forward-honouring-eddie-koiki-mabo/)[![Featured image for “Elevating First Nations human rights through industry standards schemes”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Image-1-scaled-e1775092593146.jpg)April 8, 2026 /

2. In the News

    /

### Elevating First Nations human rights through industry standards schemes

Over two days, the Mabo Centre convened Traditional Owners, Indigenous business leaders, resources industry representatives, and investors to address some…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/04/08/elevating-first-nations-human-rights-through-industry-standards-schemes/)[![Featured image for “The Mabo Centre welcomes Professor Rodney Carter as Interim Director”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/IMG_4965-3-e1769732197692.jpg)January 29, 2026 /

2. In the News

    /
3. Media Statements

    /

### The Mabo Centre welcomes Professor Rodney Carter as Interim Director

The Mabo Centre, an Indigenous-led research centre and partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2026/01/29/the-mabo-centre-welcomes-professor-rodney-carter-as-interim-director/)[![Featured image for “First Nations expertise at the forefront of Mabo Centre research projects”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Email-Header_Newsletter-2.png)December 9, 2025 /

2. In the News

    /

### First Nations expertise at the forefront of Mabo Centre research projects

The Mabo Centre, an Indigenous-led partnership between the University of Melbourne and the National Native Title Council (NNTC), is preparing…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2025/12/09/first-nations-expertise-at-the-forefront-of-mabo-centre-research-projects/)[![Featured image for “Enabling economic empowerment for Indigenous communities”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/windmills-2181904_1280.jpg)November 3, 2025 /

2. In the News

    /

### Enabling economic empowerment for Indigenous communities

Insights from the 2025 World Indigenous Business Forum Attending the 2025 World Indigenous Business Forum (WIBF) has provided the Mabo Centre with opportunities to connect with global…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2025/11/03/enabling-economic-empowerment-for-indigenous-communities/)[![Featured image for “Building capacity in clean energy”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/iStock-1488737097-scaled.jpg)October 31, 2025 /

2. In the News

    /

### Building capacity in clean energy

The Mabo Centre recently convened a day-long workshop on Clean Energy Agreement-Making for Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) members with clean energy interests. …

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2025/10/31/building-capacity-in-clean-energy/)[![Featured image for “What does the High Court native title decision mean for Aboriginal people nationwide?”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/6765f94ef1dadef5e6e3379afff8ccf5.avif)March 15, 2025 /

2. In the News

    /

### What does the High Court native title decision mean for Aboriginal people nationwide?

Legal experts say the High Court win by the Northern Territory’s Gumatj clan against the commonwealth might bolster cases of…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2025/03/15/what-does-the-high-court-native-title-decision-mean-for-aboriginal-people-nationwide/)[![Featured image for “Indigenous-led centre launched, continuing Mabo legacy”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/3c9847e2-aa6b-4889-98a3-03a870b6e1b3.jpg)March 4, 2025 /

2. In the News

    /

### Indigenous-led centre launched, continuing Mabo legacy

It was more than 30 years ago when a landmark legal case, brought about by Eddie Koiki Mabo and fellow…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2025/03/04/indigenous-led-centre-launched-continuing-mabo-legacy/)[![Featured image for “In the name of Mabo, put royalties to work: new Mabo Centre’s reform push”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/6ac67752a984d58543dc91802c207845_Gail-Mabo_In-the-name-of-Mabo.jpg)March 4, 2025 /

2. In the News

    /

### In the name of Mabo, put royalties to work: new Mabo Centre’s reform push

Billions in resource royalties could be unlocked from native title charitable trusts and used for Indigenous economic development projects across…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2025/03/04/in-the-name-of-mabo-put-royalties-to-work-new-mabo-centres-reform-push/)[![Featured image for “Indigenous interest and industry strike new compact”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20015932008ed4c00a886e758ec817d8_Gail-Mabo_Indigenous-interest.jpg)March 4, 2025 /

2. In the News

    /

### Indigenous interest and industry strike new compact

Australia’s economic growth has been built on its willingness to adapt and embrace the new. We have expanded and diversified…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2025/03/04/indigenous-interest-and-industry-strike-new-compact/)[![Featured image for “Mabo Centre advances new era of native title and First Nations leadership”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Artwork2@2x.png)March 3, 2025 /

2. Media Statements

    /

### Mabo Centre advances new era of native title and First Nations leadership

Launched today in Boorloo (Perth) Western Australia, the Mabo Centre is a newly formed First Nations-led partnership between the National…

Read more](https://mabocentre.com/2025/03/03/mabo-centre-advances-new-era-of-native-title-and-first-nations-leadership/)

---

### [Contact](https://mabocentre.com/contact/)

**Published:** February 19, 2025
**Author:** NGNY

**Content:**

# Connect with us

The Mabo Centre is housed in the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus.

Parkville 
VIC 3010
Australia

---

---

[mabocentre.com](https://mabocentre.com)

Whilst located on the lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, the Mabo Centre will work with all Traditional Owners, undertaking research and projects across Australia.

[](https://www.linkedin.com/company/mabocentre/)[](https://www.instagram.com/mabocentre/)

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Mabo_Art_Crop.jpg)

---

---

### [Mabo Centre](https://mabocentre.com/mabo-centre/)

**Published:** February 13, 2025
**Author:** NGNY

**Content:**

![Image](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/tmc-logo.png)

# Website coming soon

---


## Resources

### [Advocating for a Fairer Future Acts Regime - Together](https://mabocentre.com/resources/pushing-for-a-fairer-future-acts-regime-together/)

**Published:** August 5, 2025
**Author:** emma.starling@unimelb.edu.au

**Content:**

We’re proud to share a joint submission from the [**Mabo Centre**](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/) and the [**National Native Title Council (NNTC)**](https://nntc.com.au/ "National Native Title Council") in response to the *Review of the Future Acts Regime – Discussion Paper*.

This submission is grounded in the voices and lived experiences of Traditional Owners who deal with the Future Acts system every day. It builds on insights from the **Future Acts Symposium** held on 27 June 2025 in Melbourne, which brought together more than 40 people from all over Australia across the Native Title sector – including Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs), Native Title Representative Bodies (NTRBs), Native Title Service Providers (NTSPs), Traditional Owners, legal experts and academics; all united by a shared commitment to justice on Country.

What we heard (and what this submission makes clear) is that the current system isn’t working. It still allows power imbalances to persist and often puts development ahead of cultural authority and the rights of Traditional Owners.

Some of the key messages we’ve shared include:

- *Right to Negotiate* isn’t delivering fair outcomes
- We need laws that genuinely respect *Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC)*
- PBCs are being asked to do too much with too little support
- Cultural governance and decision-making need to be at the centre
- Ministerial override powers and section 29 notices are deeply concerning
- Overall, the regime must reflect the true intent of the Native Title Act, not just tick procedural boxes

Our submission outlines practical reforms to rebuild trust – from independent oversight and better negotiation support, to stronger backing for Traditional Owner institutions and community-led solutions.

**Access the full submission paper here: [Future Act Review – Final Submission – 24 July 2025](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Future-Act-Review-Final-Submission-24-July-2025.pdf)**

**Categories:** Land and Sea Rights, Submissions

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### [Traditional Owner clean energy agreement-making](https://mabocentre.com/resources/traditional-owner-clean-energy-agreement-making/)

**Published:** May 15, 2025
**Author:** emma.starling@unimelb.edu.au

**Content:**

#### ***Understanding emerging models of financial benefit-sharing and co-ownership***

*Dr Kathryn Thorburn and Dr Lily O’Neill, University of Melbourne*

*April 2025*

Traditional Owners have been negotiating land access and benefit sharing agreements over access to their Country for over 30 years in Australia. Nearly 1500 Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) are currently registered with the [National Native Title Tribunal](https://www.nntt.gov.au/Pages/Home-Page.aspx), predominately for resource extraction, pastoral activities, and other infrastructure. Agreements made for clean energy projects (particularly solar and wind farms) are a small, but growing, category of agreements made for Country.

Very few agreements, of any type, are publicly available. What is known about the detail in clean energy agreements is gathered from research where access is given to the agreements themselves, or people with specific knowledge about what is going into these agreements, speak with researchers about the agreements’ broad themes. The information contained in this paper is from interviews with people who have detailed knowledge about the clean energy agreements being negotiated in Australia.

Clean energy agreements being negotiated in Australia with native title and other Traditional Owner groups in the clean energy space are breaking new ground on a number of fronts. While these agreements typically include a range of benefits, including with respect to employment and training, this paper focuses on new methods for sharing the financial benefits of clean energy projects and equity and co-ownership arrangements.

*This paper aims to canvass some general considerations for native title holders and Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) to understand the potential risks and rewards of various models of participation in clean energy projects. Please note that the information contained in this paper is general information only. Financial arrangements in land access and benefit sharing agreements are often extremely complicated and highly dependent on the interests and concerns of PBCs, their internal governance structures, and the nature of the proposed project. This paper provides a non-exhaustive outline of some of the considerations PBCs should bear in mind. Any agreement should only be entered into after detailed legal and financial advice.*

**Read the full paper here: “[The Mabo Centre – Traditional Owner clean energy agreement-making”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Mabo-Centre-Traditional-Owner-clean-energy-agreement-making.pdf)**

**Categories:** Clean Energy, Publications, Treaties and Agreements

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### [Submission to the Inquiry on Creating sustainable economic growth in rural and regional Australia](https://mabocentre.com/resources/submission-to-the-inquiry-on-creating-sustainable-economic-growth-in-rural-and-regional-australia/)

**Published:** July 8, 2026
**Author:** Mizuki Takahashi

**Content:**

The Terms of Reference in respect of the current Inquiry require the Committee to “inquire into and report on creating sustainable economic growth in rural and regional Australia”.

Sustainable economic growth in rural and regional Australia can be achieved through looking to what has always existed in Country – our unique native foods and botanicals.

This submission is made to the Joint Standing Committee on Trade & Investment Growth by the[ National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/) in collaboration with the [Mabo Centre](https://mabocentre.com/).

**Access the full submission paper here:** [Submission to the Inquiry on Creating sustainable economic growth in rural and regional Australia](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-06-30-NNTC-Mabo-Centre_JSC-Trade-Investment_Submission.pdf)

**Categories:** Submissions

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### [Submission to the Attorney General’s Department's evaluation of the 2021 amendments to the Native Title Act 1993](https://mabocentre.com/resources/submission-to-the-attorney-generals-departments-evaluation-of-the-2021-amendments-to-the-native-title-act-1993/)

**Published:** December 8, 2025
**Author:** Beth Cesarin

**Content:**

This submission provides a detailed evaluation of the 2021 amendments to the Native Title Act 1993, assessing how each schedule has operated in practice and identifying both positive impacts and areas where the reforms have fallen short due to limited resourcing or unresolved procedural issues.

It highlights opportunities to strengthen native title processes, improve agreement-making efficiency, and better support Traditional Owners’ self-determination, while offering clear recommendations for further legislative refinement and implementation improvements.

This is a joint submission by the [Mabo Centre](https://mabocentre.com/our-story/) and the [National Native Title Council](https://nntc.com.au/ "National Native Title Council").

**Access the full submission paper here: [Submission to the Attorney General’s Department’s evaluation of (the 2021) amendments to the Native Title Act 1993](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Review-of-2021-NTA-Amendment-NNTC-Mabo-Centre-Submission-1.pdf)**

**Categories:** Land and Sea Rights, Submissions

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### [Resourcing the energy transition for equity and justice](https://mabocentre.com/resources/resourcing-the-energy-transition/)

**Published:** May 15, 2025
**Author:** emma.starling@unimelb.edu.au

**Content:**

#### *Principles to guide critical energy transition minerals towards equity and justice*

*UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals*

The global climate crisis has arrived. 2024 included the three hottest days in recorded history, with deadly extreme heat affecting much of Asia and the Middle East. Raging wildfires devastated parts of North America and Europe. Record-setting floods have inundated communities from Brazil to Bangladesh. Severe droughts beset Southern Africa. Artic permafrost is in thaw. Sea levels are rising, wildfires are burning, extreme heat is crippling. The window to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement is closing.

Humanity is facing multiple inter-related crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and poverty, and our continued reliance on fossil fuels is pushing us towards irreversible tipping points. There is still time, humanity with a shared future must act decisively to accelerate a global energy transition. At the [United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai](https://www.cop28.com/en/), governments agreed to triple the roll out of renewable energy and double energy efficiency by 2030. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that demand for the critical energy transition minerals required to enable this global energy transition will triple by 2030, and quadruple by 2040.

A transition of this magnitude brings with it tremendous opportunities, but also substantial challenges. Mining, at all scales, large and small, has too often been linked with human rights abuses, environmental degradation and conflict. Indigenous Peoples’ lands and resources have been dispossessed and the lives of local peoples upended. Responsible companies, across the entire value chain, working to reform the sector continue to face an uneven playing field, with insufficient incentives for irresponsible actors to meet acceptable standards. Yet harnessing critical energy transition minerals to build the renewable energy technologies needed to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement and net zero emissions by 2050, also has the potential to lift hundreds of millions of people out of poverty through access to affordable, modern and sustainable energy and energy technologies. Developing countries as partners in the energy transition can foster development through opportunities for value addition, benefit-sharing, economic diversification and participation in the critical energy transition minerals value chains that will power the next generations, rather than serve only as the providers of raw materials. This is why the United Nations SecretaryGeneral established the [Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals](https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/critical-minerals), to develop Guiding Principles which can serve as guardrails for the energy transition.

**[Read the full paper here: “Resourcing the Energy Transition”](https://mabocentre.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Resourcing-the-Energy-Transition.pdf)**

**Categories:** Clean Energy, Toolkits & Guides

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