Chapter 1
Introduction
The Committee's Duty
1.1 This report is prepared pursuant to s. 206(c) of the Native
Title Act 1993 (the Act). That section (in part) requires the Committee
to report at its discretion to both Houses on matters emanating from annual
reports prepared by the President of the National Native Title Tribunal
(NNTT).
Report Under Consideration
1.2 In its second and fourth reports, this Committee reported on the
Tribunal's first two annual reports. The third annual report of the NNTT,
that for 1995-96, was tabled in the Senate and the House of Representatives
on 31 October 1996.
Public Hearing
1.3 The Committee held a public hearing on Wednesday 19 March 1997 to
hear evidence from the Tribunal President, Justice R S French, concerning
the Tribunal report. Justice French was accompanied at that hearing by
Ms P Lane, the Tribunal Registrar, and the Hon C Sumner, a Tribunal Member.
The Tribunal
1.4 The Committee regards its interactions with the NNTT as one of the
most significant elements of its function under the Act. Justice French
has met with the Committee on six occasions (two of which were private)
over a period of almost three years. In addition the Judge has met informally
with various Committee members as opportunities have arisen; he has also
been in regular contact with the Committee Secretary. The Registrar has
similarly maintained contact with the Committee Secretary, providing a
significant flow of important documentation that has assisted the Committee
considerably in the fulfilment of its statutory monitoring function. Further,
the Registrar has provided evidence at public hearings on six occasions.
1.5 An expression of appreciation is due to the NNTT for its cooperation
with the Committee over the past three years. The Committee is aware that
the Registrar is to retire from the NNTT in the course of 1997; while
the President's term was to expire on 1 May, Justice French
has agreed to continue for the remainder of the year. The Committee acknowledges
the role that both the President and Registrar have played personally
in the demanding task of establishing the Tribunal, and wishes them well
for the future. The Committee paid tribute to their service at the public
hearing on 19 March 1997.
Committee Report
1.6 This report was adopted by the Committee at a private meeting on
4 June 1997.
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