Resources and publications

An emerging bibliography on free prior and informed consent, engagement and consultation.

The Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) research snapshot series has been developed to share findings from the Native Title Research Unit's (NTRU) investigation into the constitutions and financial reports of PBCs. This research forms part of the PBC Capability project which aims to develop a long-term national picture of the PBC sector.

This snapshot provides an overview of the NTRU's analysis of the publicly available financial data submitted to the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC), and examines the financial growth and development of PBCs from the financial year 2010-11 to 2015-16.

Under the Native Title Act 1993, the Social Justice Commissioner is required to prepare a Native Title Report each year for federal Parliament. Through these reports the Commissioner gives a human rights perspective on native title issues and advocates for practical co-existence between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups in using land.

Under the Native Title Act 1993, the Social Justice Commissioner is required to prepare a Native Title Report each year for federal Parliament. Through these reports the Commissioner gives a human rights perspective on native title issues and advocates for practical co-existence between Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups in using land.

AIATSIS embarked on a research and resource project to develop greater understanding of the Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBC) environment, native title holder aspirations and to bring together resources and develop networks that may be of benefit to them. The first of a series of workshops was held by the Native Title Research Unit in Canberra on 5-6 December 2006. The workshop was attended by Native Title Representative Bodies who have been or will be involved in the design and establishment of PBCs following a determination of native title. Participants also included government representatives from the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs and Attorney General’s Department who gave presentations on the proposed changes to PBCs as a part of the Australian Government’s broader native title reforms.

This report is based on the major issues, themes and discussions that arose during the workshop. In particular, it focuses on measures to improve the effectiveness of PBCs and coincides with the Government’s recognition of the need for resources and support for PBCs to adequately carry out their functions.

One of the key aspirations of native title holders is the ability to independently make decisions about and take care of country. This aspiration is often realised through collaborative management arrangements such as joint management. For many native title groups, joint management is often the only substantive land management outcome, yet there has been little research into either its planning process or its drivers.

Between October 2013 and December 2014, AIATSIS undertook case study research in partnership with Central Desert Native Title Services and the Wiluna native title holders — Martu people — to document their land management journey and the critical success factors that have contributed to positive outcomes in Matuwa (Lorna Glen) and Kurrara Kurrara (Earaheedy). This report describes the research and planning undertaken as a part of the partnership.