The source of opposition

Despite repeated affirmation by the courts and government that the rights and interests under Crown grant could not be affected by native title, the perception of a threat prevailed. This perception of industry being undermined is better understood as opposition to the recognition of rights in land that will have to be considered in the exercise of mining and pastoral activities. Prior to the recognition of native title, the limited leases and licenses for these activities had been treated as much wider than those rights and interests actually conferred by the grant. The recognition of native title also places limits on the ability of governments to freely grant access for mining and other activities on Aboriginal land without consultation or compensation.

Keywords: industry opposition, mining, pastoral industry, recognition

Author: Strelein, Lisa