An Expression Of Sovereignty

The recognition of native title acknowledged the legitimacy and authority of Indigenous law. The High Court rejected any idea of a sovereign, or independent indigenous population able to challenge the authority of the state.

But, it was prepared to look at Australia's internal arrangements and recognised the right of Indigenous peoples to collectively own, control and make laws for their own land.

And while the Mabo decision was restricted to land title, some form of self-government is strongly implied by native title, because it involves the control and management of land according to indigenous law and custom.

Self government is a form of autonomy, or sovereignty, regardless of how limited it may be.