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.