The GLSC welcomes the Commonwealth Government’s decision to discontinue its “non-claimant application” to the Federal Court for a negative native title determination over the Wongatha trial area.  

A negative determination would have meant that no new claims could be lodged. The case had been scheduled for trial in December this year.  

“The withdrawal has cleared the way for the progression of new claims within the Wongatha trial area,” said Executive Director Brian Wyatt .  

“Based on our legal advice, the GLSC was confident that the Commonwealth’s application was not going to succeed and it is a good thing that it has decided to discontinue the application rather than putting all the parties to a lot more expense and delay.  

“This is a very important win for the traditional land owners and allows resources to now be focussed on formulating new claims.  

“The way has also been cleared for constructive negotiations between the State Government and north-east Goldfields claimants to proceed toward practical out-of-court agreements that would provide recognition of native title for Aboriginal people and early certainty and fairness for all stakeholders.  

“The alternative to out-of-court agreements is more long and costly litigation for any new claims, which would be in no one’s best interests,” Mr Wyatt said.

Media Contact:  Brian Wyatt 0417 970413;    David Berry 0417 963089, 9263 8715