National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT)

The NNTT is an independent body established under the Native Title Act 1993 to assist people to resolve Native Title issues. The Tribunal provides administrative support to deal with Native Title applications and works closely with communities across Australia. The Tribunal conducts mediation of Native Title applications and can help people negotiate Indigenous Land Use Agreements.

The National Native Title Tribunal lets other people know about the application and invites them to become involved. People affected by a Native Title claim may be recreational water users, bee keepers, mining companies, local government agencies, graziers etc.

All people with an interest in the area covered by the claim are brought together to discuss their own interests in that area and the interests of others. The National Native Title Tribunal will bring all parties together to see that everyone gets a chance to have a say about the Native Title application

The Federal Court decides who the parties are and asks the National Native Title Tribunal to mediate between the parties. The Tribunal cannot start mediating a claim without the Federal Court first deciding that mediation will go ahead. Mediation is voluntary. Everyone affected by the outcome must agree before that outcome become legally binding

For more information about the role of the National Native Title Tribunal, you can visit their website at www.nntt.gov.au .

Department of Justice - Native Title Unit

The Department of Justice - Native Title Unit is a Department of the Victorian Government which has primary responsibility for representing the State Government's interests in Native Title Determination Applications.

The Federal Court of Australia

Under the Commonwealth Native Title Act of 1993, the Federal Court of Australia is responsible for the management and determination of all applications relating to native title in Australia. The Federal Court of Australia was created by the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976.

The Court is a superior court of record and a court of law and equity. It sits in all capital cities in Australia and elsewhere in Australia from time to time.

The Court consists of a Chief Justice and other judges as appointed. The Chief Justice is the senior judge of the Court and is responsible for ensuring that the Court runs well.