Getting started with the native title work procedures
Australian law recognises native title as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights and interests in land and waters, held in accordance with their traditional laws and customs.
A native title assessment is the process by which the state identifies:
- whether native title continues to exist over particular land or waters
- where native title may exist, the steps to follow in order to carry out a land or resource dealing.
The native title work procedures are used by all Queensland Government departments and agencies to ensure native title is properly addressed before undertaking land and resource dealings.
These include dealings such as the:
- grant of a lease
- grant of a commercial fishing licence
- construction of a public work on a reserve
- creation of a national park management plan.
Using the procedures and decision tools
The native title work procedures are divided into modules. When using the procedures, you must follow the Native title assessment pathway (PDF, 2.0MB) and apply the modules in alphabetical order, starting with module AA.
The native title decision tools have been developed to ensure that assessments are undertaken in accordance with the procedures. The tools step you through a series of questions to indicate whether or not the module applies.
Your responses are stored for 24 hours - if you need to start again, use the Reset button at the bottom of the tool.
Please use the Print button at the bottom of the tool to save a copy of your results and attach this to your submission.
Training and resources
eLearning courses
Our interactive eLearning courses are the first in a suite of online training materials that we will be releasing over the next 12 months. They complement the native title work procedures and decision making tools.
Together, these resources will provide a comprehensive online resource for all government officers who need to consider native title in their day to day work.
Introduction to native title
If you are new to native title assessment, make sure you :
- complete the Introduction to native title eLearning course
- read the Introduction to the native title work procedures (PDF, 1.6MB).
You should also familiarise yourself with:
- Native title assessment pathway (PDF, 2.0MB)
- Glossary of terms (PDF, 138.5KB)
- Delegations and responsibilities (PDF, 134.6KB)
- Queensland native title representative bodies and areas (PDF, 153.5KB)
QNTIME
QNTIME - the Queensland Native Title Information Management Environment - is the Queensland Government's information system for native title. It's managed and hosted by the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy.
QNTIME contains:
- information and spatial depictions of native title claims
- determinations of native title
- Indigenous land use agreements
- representative Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander bodies
- research into tenure and usage history
- conclusions of extinguishment and compulsory acquisitions of native title.
To gain access to the system, you must be employed by the Queensland Government or a 100%-owned Queensland Government corporation.
To register for an account, email LandandSpatialSystemsSupport@dnrme.qld.gov.au or call 3330 4125.
For information about using QNTIME for research, read:
- Annexure 7.9 - Entering data in to QNTIME for research boundaries and research items (PDF, 370.8KB)
- Annexure 7.10 - Requesting conclusions for research items in QNTIME (PDF, 218.1KB)
More information
Contact your Native Title Contact Officer if have questions about the procedures or other native title issues. If they can't help you, they will seek advice on your behalf from the Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy.