We’re proud to share a joint submission from the Mabo Centre and the National Native Title Council (NNTC) 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:
- The 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
August 5, 2025