Native title

Native title refers to the recognition by Australian law that some Aboriginal peoples have ongoing rights and interests in land and waters based on their traditional laws and customs.

This recognition is provided under the Native Title Act 1993, which sets out the process for establishing and managing native title rights and interests.

Rights granted

Where it has been legally recognised, native title gives Aboriginal people the right to:

• live and camp in an area
• conduct ceremonies
• hunt and fish
• collect food
• build shelters
• visit places of cultural importance.

Affected land areas

Native title exists over pastoral land.

It does not exist over Northern Territory (NT) freehold land or Crown land used for public:

• roads
• railways
• buildings.