A Statement from the NNTC

The peak body for Australia’s local and regional native title organisations, the National Native Title Council (NNTC), congratulates the Gomeroi People for their landmark victory in the Full Federal Court this week.

The Gomeroi People were successful in an application to overturn a determination of the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT). That determination would have allowed Santos Pty Ltd to proceed with its contentious Narrabri Gas Project in northern NSW. The Full Federal Court upheld the Gomeroi People’s appeal on the basis that the Tribunal had not adequately considered the Gomeroi People’s objection, stemming from the broader effects of Green House Gases arising from the Narrabri project.

“This is a great victory for the Gomeroi People” says Jamie Lowe Gundijtmara and Djabwurrung Traditional Owner and CEO of the NNTC. “It clearly demonstrates that Traditional Owners across this country will never rest in their efforts to make sure those who want to use our traditional Country must listen to us about caring for it.”

“The Gomeroi People filed their native title application over 10 years ago. While this judgment is important it is not an end to the exhausting claim process. The fact the Gomeroi People had to go to the Full Federal Court to stop Santos and are still fighting their claim shows the Native Title Act is stacked against Traditional Owners,” states Mr Lowe.

“The judgment of the Full Court shows Traditional Owners are still struggling with the legacy of John Howard’s ten-point plan over twenty years later” he continues “The struggle of the Gomeroi People demonstrates the need to reform the Native Title Act. We need to be able to resolve claims faster and the Tribunal must give greater weight to the voices of Traditional Owners.

“This Government has promised reform to the Native Title Act, Traditional Owners – like the Gomeroi People – all over the country are still waiting,” Mr Lowe concludes.