Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Introduction

Legislative Background
Uncertainty and The Act
Past Attempts to Amend the Legislation
The Wik Judgment
Issues arising from Wik
The Response by the Commonwealth
Committee Inquiry
Scope of the Committee's Report

Chapter 2 Widely Supported Amendments

Introduction
The Brandy Amendments
Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs)
Representative Bodies The Threshold Test

Chapter 3 Validation of Intermediate Period Acts

How the Problem Arose
Solution Proposed by the Bill
Criticisms of the Bill's Solution

Chapter 4 Confirmation of Past Extinguishment of Native Title

What the Bill Provides
Criticisms of the Provisions
General Observations
Extinguishment is Permanent
The Content and Effects of Schedule 4
Land Currently Used for Indigenous Purposes

Chapter 5 Future Acts and Pastoral Leases

Introduction
Opposition to the Commonwealth's Approach
NIWG
The Racial Discrimination Act and the RTN
The Essential Need for Amendments
Conclusion

Chapter 6 The Right to Negotiate and Mining

Introduction
Opposition to Alterations of the RTN
NIWG and ATSIC
Other Indigenous Criticism
The Commonwealth's Position
Provisions Relating to Opal Exploration
Conclusion

Chapter 7 Management of Claims and Compensation

Introduction
Federal Court Procedures in Native Title Proceedings
Legal Aid
Sunset Clauses
Limits on Compensation
Size of the Compensation Bill

Chapter 8 Recommendation

APPENDICES [Not included on-line. Please contact the secretariat to obtain copies if required]

Appendix 1: The 10 Point Plan

Appendix 2: Public Hearings and Witnesses

Appendix 3: Written Submissions

Minority Report by Mssr's Melham & Quick and by Senators Evans, Woodley & the Hon N Bolkus

Australian Democrats Addendum