Despite significant progress, the Australian government considers there is scope for improving the native title system to increase access to native title rights and traditional lands. This paper seeks stakeholder views on a range of options to amend the Act which are intended to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the native title system to resolve claims, better facilitate agreement-making around the use of native title land, and promote the autonomy of native title groups to make decisions about their land and to resolve internal disputes.

Following consultation on this paper, the government will develop an exposure draft bill for further public comment. It is anticipated the exposure draft will be released in early 2018. The government has also tasked an Expert Technical Advisory Group comprising native title, state and territory government, Commonwealth, and industry representatives to provide technical assistance on how to implement certain amendments to the Act.