Representing
and advocating for Traditional Owner rights and heritage

Through the native title system, we advocate for First Nations peoples’ rights and interests, leading a membership base of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the organisations that represent them.

The NNTC works closely with Traditional Owners, government, and industry partners to support and strengthen native title rights by changes to law, policy and best practice.

We understand the deep complexities of native title, shaped by a history in which Australia’s laws and policies excluded First Nations people from their lands and decision-making. While the native title system has returned some rights and country to First Nations people, much more needs to be done to achieve genuine equity and recognition.

The NNTC is the secretariat for the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance and Sea Country Alliance, the PBC Steering Group, a member of the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance with the Australian National University and the Coalition of the Peaks, and partner of the Mabo Centre with the University of Melbourne.

Call to action
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Photo credit: Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
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Our Governance

The National Native Title Council (NNTC) is committed to strong, representative governance that serves the interests of our diverse membership. We have two member classes—one for PBCs and TOCs, and another for NTRBs and NTSPs—ensuring tailored engagement and decision-making.

Our Board consists of 10 Directors, balancing representation across member classes while maintaining strategic oversight.

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Our team consists of passionate advocates, experts in native title, and experienced leaders who are committed to advancing the rights and interests of Traditional Owners.

Our Board

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Kado Muir

Chair
Kado Muir is a cultural leader, entrepreneur, artist, anthropologist, and Indigenous rights activist from the Ngalia dialect family of the Mantjiltjara language group in Western Australia.
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Francine McCarthy

Deputy Chair
Francine is a Warumungu woman born in Tennant Creek who grew up in Alice Springs and on the Nauiyu Nambiyu (Daly River) Community.
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Ned David

Ned David is a Kulkalaig man from Tudu (Warrior) Island in the Torres Strait. Ned is the current Chair of several organisations in the Torres Strait, including the Gur A Baradharaw Kod (GBK)
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Joshua Haynes

Joshua Haynes is a Yandruwanha Yawarawarka man. He is Chairperson of South Australian Native Title Services, Deputy Chair of the South Australian Aboriginal Heritage Committee, Chair of the Marree-Innamincka NRM Group and a Member of the Aboriginal Partnership Committee for the South Australian Museum.
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Melvin Farmer

Melvin is a Walakaja Elder who speaks Manyjilyjarra and Pintupi.
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Patricia Laurie

Patricia is a Yaegl/Bundjalung woman from the Far North Coast of NSW. These are her grandmother’s Countries, and she also acknowledges her grandfather’s Countries of Gumbaynggirr and Walbunja Yuin.
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Peter Windie

Peter is a Thudgari man who played an integral leadership role in his peoples’ Native Title Determination in 2009. He was also an applicant on the combined Thiin-Mah Warriyangka Tharrkari Jiwarli native title claim, determined in 2019.
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Kaylene Malthouse

Ms Kaylene Malthouse, a Malanbarra Yidinji/Nadagion woman from the Rainforests of North Queensland, born in Gordonvale 30kms southwest of Cairns. She has a unshakeable reputation for being a notable and passionate force in economically empowering Aboriginal people to build their own wealth from their lands.
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Kenneth Stewart

Ken is a Wamba Wamba descendent with strong family ties to the Lake Boga area as a fourth-generation descendant.
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Tim Wishart

Tim Wishart is currently Acting Chief Executive Office of Queensland South Native Title Services (QSNTS) undertaking this role since 10 July 2023.
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Our History

The National Native Title Council (NNTC) celebrates 20 years of advocacy and leadership in 2025.

Its origins trace back to the dissolution of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) in 2005, which left the native title sector without a unified voice to engage with government.

In August 2005, CEOs of Native Title Representative Bodies and Native Title Service Providers (NTRB/SPs) across Australia formed an alliance to strengthen collaboration and influence national policy. By October 2005, they had formally adopted the name ‘National Native Title Council,’ and in 2006, the NNTC was incorporated as a public company limited by guarantee. The organisation gained Public Benevolent Institution status in 2011.

Initially operating from the Goldfields Land and Sea Council, the NNTC grew rapidly, securing funding for a full-time CEO and a part-time Executive Officer in 2010. The office later relocated to co-locate with First Nations Legal and Research Services (formerly Native Title Services Victoria).

Throughout its early years, the NNTC brought together 14 out of 15 NTRB/SPs as members, with seven founding members. The Board initially comprised the CEOs of each member organisation, later expanding to include Chairs, reaching 25 Directors by 2017.

In 2017, the NNTC amended its Constitution to open membership to Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), creating two membership categories: Regional Members (NTRB/SPs and regional organisations representing PBCs) and Local Members (PBCs and Traditional Owner Corporations). Governance structures were also refined, establishing a Board with four Directors elected by Regional Members, four by Local Members, and two appointed directly by the Board. A sub-committee of all members, known as the Council, was formed to enhance collaboration, with the Board meeting at least five times a year and the Council convening at least three times, including an Annual General Meeting.

Since 2017, Local Membership has steadily increased, with significant growth from 2022 onwards. Today, the NNTC proudly represents over 100 members, continuing its mission to advocate for native title rights and support Traditional Owners in securing and managing their lands and waters.

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2025
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The Mabo Decision v Queensland (No 2)

High Court rejects terra nullius, recognizes native title for the first time. This landmark case had a profound impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land rights in Australia.

Photo: Mabo plaintiffs, witnesses and their lawyer at the Supreme Court of QLD Brisbane May 1989. Courtesy of Trevor Graham, Yarra Bank Films, from the film Land Bilong Islanders.



For a more comprehensive historical timeline Click here.
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Native Title Act 1993 (Cth)

This Act, passed in response to the Mabo decision, set the framework for recognizing and protecting native title. It created the system of Native Title Representative Bodies and Prescribed Bodies Corporate, which play a key role in land management and negotiations.



For a more comprehensive historical timeline Click here.
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National Native Title Council (NNTC) established.

For a more comprehensive historical timeline Click here.
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NNTC amends constitution to provide for PBC membership.

For a more comprehensive historical timeline Click here.
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South West Native Title Settlement (Noongar)

largest native title settlement in Australian history.



For a more comprehensive historical timeline Click here.
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Timber Creek Compensation Case (Northern Territory v Griffiths)

High Court sets principles for calculating native title compensation. This was the first time the Court had considered how compensation under the Native Title Act should be assessed.



For a more comprehensive historical timeline Click here.
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Nations Heritage Protection Alliance Established

In June 2020 the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance (FNHPA) was formed  when First Nations groups from across the country came together in response to the ongoing destruction of significant cultural heritage.



For a more comprehensive historical timeline Click here.
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The Sea Country Alliance Established

In November 2020, the Sea Country Alliance was formed at the National Summit held at the Darwin Convention Centre in the Northern Territory.



For a more comprehensive historical timeline Click here.
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Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Initiative launched

In March 2024 the Dhawura Ngilan Business and Investor Initiative was launched in Canberra.



For a more comprehensive historical timeline Click here.
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NNTC Membership tops 100 members

By the end of 2024, NNTC had 127 members (113 local members, 14 regional members).



For a more comprehensive historical timeline Click here.
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Mabo Centre Launched

In February 2025 the Mabo Centre was launched in Boorloo/Perth.



For a more comprehensive historical timeline Click here.
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The NNTC celebrates 25 years

For a more comprehensive historical timeline Click here.
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Join the NNTC

Become a member of the NNTC and join our collective effort to empower traditional owners, advance First Nations rights, and strengthen the native title system. Together, we are stronger.

BECOME A MEMBER

Trusted by organisations championing indigenous rights

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MGCorp proudly acknowledges the National Native Title Council’s vital leadership in the native title sector, driving policy development and systemic reform to empower Traditional Owners. The NNTC’s advocacy ensures native title holders’ voices are heard, advancing self-determination and strengthening governance across Australia. As a member, MGCorp values the Council’s unwavering commitment to protecting Indigenous rights and creating pathways for sustainable futures.

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Lawford Benning, Chair

MGCorp, WA

NNTC PBC member

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As a regional native title service provider, we greatly value NNTC’s leadership on vital matters impacting the sector and its people.

Working together, we’re able to strengthen the native title system, influence national policy, and support our clients with a unified and strategic approach across the sector.

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Johanna Ramsay, Chief Executive Officer

Central Desert Native Title Services Ltd

NNTC Regional member

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As a regional native title organisation, we value our collaborative relationship with the National Native Title Council. Working together, we’re able to strengthen the native title system, influence national policy, and support our members with a unified and strategic approach across the sector.

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Leon Yeatman, CEO

North Queensland Land Council

NNTC Regional member

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The National Native Title Council plays a key role in connecting organisations across the sector. Through their leadership, we’ve been able to build strong networks, exchange ideas, and work collectively to advance the interests of native title holders.

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Marcia McCullough, Board Member at First Nations Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng,

Taribelang Bunda People Aboriginal Corporation, QLD

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We value the NNTC’s strong advocacy and leadership in advancing the rights of Traditional Owners. Their commitment to principles like Free, Prior and Informed Consent, and supporting national alliances, ensures that Traditional Owner voices are central in shaping policy and protecting Country and culture. We’re proud to stand with the NNTC in this shared mission.

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Keith Thomas, CEO

South Australia Native Title Services

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Photo credit: Benjamin Warlngundu Bayliss

Strategy and values

Strategic Vision