Mabo: 10 years on

The 3rd June 2002 marked the 10th anniversary of the historic Mabo decision.

Reactions to the anniversary have been mixed. There is now increased recognition of native title, less fear and aprehension about its implications and improved relations between native title holders and non-indigenous interests, particularly in the mining industry. However, many have pointed to the painfully slow delivery of outcomes, particularly in the determination of native title claims (30 determinations with 590 outstanding). Agreement-making, particularly Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs), has been recognised as the most promising area for future progress.

However, Indigenous leaders and others have criticised the Howard government for its oppositional approach and for squandering the opportunities that native title presented. They further argue that native title was always limited in the extent that it could benefit Indigenous people and that native title should be seen as one facet of a yet-to-be-realised comrehensive approach addressing broader issues of Indigenous rights and social and economic well-being.

Meanwhile, Eddie Mabo's widow, Bonita Mabo, has called for a national public holiday on the anniversary of the High Court's decision.

Below are some links to information and news items to mark the anniversary.

Information:
10 years of native title information kit - National Native Title Tribunal
Mabo - 10 Years On - ATSIC website
Mabo: ten years on - Commonwealth Parliamentary Library Electronic Brief

Media articles:
Leave us alone to fix native title mess, says Clark - SMH / 4 June
How the PM's 'national interest' hijacked native title - Aden Ridgeway - The Age / 4 June
Galarrwuy Yunupingu: Land one piece of the puzzle - The Australian / 4 June
Mines chief Morgan says there's hope - The Age / 4 June
Mabo hopes dashed, but not yet dying - Robert Manne - SMH/26 May
I was wrong on Mabo: Kennett - The Age / 1 June
Widow's vision splendid - The Australian / 3 June
Ten years on, Mabo gets wet - SMH / 3 June
Time to build a nation on foundation of native title - SMH / 2 June
Ruddock calls for new land focus - The Australian / 1 June
Back on the map - SMH / 31 May
Native title 'fails its people' - The West Australian / 1 June

Further information:
Native Title - background and issues
Mabo and Wik
The 1998 Native Title Act Amendments
Native title laws fail United Nations scrutiny
Back door extinguishment
Recent native title cases