This Discussion Paper is the second consultation document in the ALRC's review of the Native Title Act. This Inquiry into the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) focuses on the legal requirements for recognising native title rights and interests and proving connection; the nature and content (scope) of native title rights and interests; the legal processes...

In 1998, a Maori tribe’s claim for land, resources and compensation, in New Zealand’s south island, was finally recognised. It was a dispute that began in 1849 and lasted for seven generations but now the Ngai Tahu are richer than they’ve ever been. From an initial 170 million dollars they’ve built their settlement money into...

Outlines the ways in which the clearing of native vegetation has been regulated in NSW from 1788 to the present. Summary This paper outlines the ways in which the clearing of native vegetation has been regulated in NSW, from 1788 to the present. Since the 1980s the extent to which governments can regulate the clearing...

The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) and catchment management authorities (CMA) face significant and escalating challenges if they are to meet the core objectives of the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (the Act), which are to maintain and enhance long-term land productivity while also conserving the environment. While existing catchment management approaches...

This paper is the outcome of Australian, state and territory governments agreeing to consult to develop a more sophisticated and consistent framework to assess and evaluate major infrastructure projects. Introduction A project appraisal process helps a government make good choices in terms of its goals. It starts with a clear understanding of the role of...