Hall Of Fame

Native title in Australia

Clayton Utz

Praised for its ‘exceptional experience in energy and infrastructure projects’, Clayton Utz is adept at cultural heritage protection and native title act compliance. In Brisbane, Mark Geritz is lauded as ‘efficient’, while in Melbourne, Damien Gardiner handles cultural heritage risk surrounding corporate transactions. Operating out of Brisbane, Stuart MacGregor is knowledgeable of resources law, Georgia Davis is informed in aboriginal land rights, while Sophie-Rose Greer and Melbourne-based Robert Stilling are well-versed in infrastructure projects.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Geritz; Damien Gardiner


Autres avocats clés:

Stuart MacGregor; Georgia Davis; Sophie-Rose Greer; Robert Stilling; Nick Thomas


Les références

‘Clayton Utz has a strong team of native title and cultural heritage lawyers. The wider team provides expert legal advice that is delivered in a way that non legal people understand.’

‘I always find the individual people at Clayton Utz friendly and engaging, they also listen intently to concerns and provide advice that is fair and easy to understand, whilst highlighting the risks.’

‘Clayton Utz have exceptional experience in energy and infrastructure projects.’

Principaux clients

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)


Squadron Energy


Australia Pacific LNG Pty Limited


Origin Energy Limited


Idemitsu Australia


Stanwell Corporation


Transgrid


NSW Government


Powerlink Queensland and Queensland Hydro Pty Ltd


New Hope Group


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) on all native title and Aboriginal heritage issues related a development for the Inland Rail Programme.
  • Advised Squadron Energy on project delivery for the development of Stage 1 of the Clarke Creek Wind Farm.
  • Advised EnergyCo on native title issues for the Hunter Transmission project.

King & Wood Mallesons

A key contact for blue-chip, public sector, and private sector clients on native title strategies, King & Wood Mallesons is skilled at aboriginal land and cultural heritage agreements. Scott Singleton leads the team from Brisbane, while in Perth, Sally Audeyev is lauded for her ‘excellent knowledge and practical advice.' Working out of Melbourne, Emily Heffernan is knowledgeable of mining, while in Brisbane, Amy Carseldine is experienced in native title litigation, and Emily Wilson is informed in land access and tenure matters. Other key members of the team include Perth-based Laura Jackson.

Responsables de la pratique:

Scott Singleton


Autres avocats clés:

Sally Audeyev; Emily Heffernan; Amy Carsdeldine; Emily Wilson; Laura Jackson.


Les références

‘Sally Audeyev and her team provide a seamless service.’

‘Sally Audeyev continues to impress with her down to earth approach, excellent knowledge base, and practical advice.’

Principaux clients

BHP


Ark Energy


APA Group


Department of Defence


Department of Industry Science Energy and Resources


Tamboran Resources


Iberdrola


Origin Energy Limited


Queensland Hydro


RWE Renewables


Cubico


Sunwater


Telstra


Boral


Bureau of Meteorology


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Queensland Hydro on the native title components for the development of the AUD$14b+ Borumba and AUD$12b Pioneer Burdekin pumped hydro energy storage projects.
  • Advised BHP Group on important native title and heritage matters for their operations in South Australia, Queensland, and Western Australia.
  • Assisted the Commonwealth Department of Industry, Science, Energy & Resources to finalise a registered ILUA with the Wajarri Yamaji People.

Allens

With a strong national presence, Allens’ key strengths lie in ESG issues surrounding indigenous peoples rights. Ben Zillmann leads the team from Brisbane, and alongside Andrew Moffat, is praised for ‘excellent and up-to date advice’. In Perth, Eve Lynch is active in the mining and resources sector, while Darcy Doyle is proficient in regulatory issues. In Sydney, Naomi Bergman is informed about aboriginal cultural heritage matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ben Zillmann


Autres avocats clés:

Andrew Moffat; Eve Lynch; Darcy Doyle; Naomi Bergman


Les références

‘They have a genuine desire to collaborate with clients and native title parties.’

‘Ben Zillmann and Andrea Moffatt provide excellent and up to date advice on matters of both native title and cultural heritage in what can be a complex and ever-changing space. They both have an in-depth understanding of the steps and timeframes involved in working through native title and cultural heritage matters, and are willing to build the long-term relationships to achieve practical business and native title outcomes for all parties.’

Principaux clients

RareX


Gladstone Water Board


Glencore


Energy Resource Australia


Sunwater


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Sunwater on the Paradise Dam Improvement Project.
  • Advising Energy Resource Australia on Aboriginal land and cultural heritage issues for its Ranger Uranium Mine.
  • Advised on a native title agreement for RareX’s Cummins Range phosphate-enabled rare earths project.

Arnold Bloch Leibler

With activity in the renewable energy sector, Arnold Bloch Leibler is knowledgeable of the Native Title Act 1993. Peter Seidel leads the department from Melbourne and his broad practice encompasses native title determination applications, as well as indigenous land use agreements. Bridgid Cowling assists clients on the tax aspects of native title agreements.

Responsables de la pratique:

Peter Seidel


Autres avocats clés:

Bridgid Cowling


Les références

‘ABL provided excellent support for the corporation. They were extremely generous with their time and resources, ensuring we received high quality advice in a timely and focused manner.’

‘They were highly responsive to our needs.’

Principaux clients

Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation


Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation


Karungkarni Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation


First Australians Capital


Ramahyuck District Aboriginal Corporation


The Lowitja Institute


Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation


Perpetual Trustee Co / Noongar Boodja Trust


Trust for Nature


Greening Australia


Birrarangga Film Festival


Indigenous Business Australia


Blak and Bright Film Festival


Barengi Gadjin Land Council


Burrumbul Mirring Ltd


Central Land Council


Djalkiripuygnu Aboriginal Corporation


Australian Communities Foundation re Meriam Nations


Nairm Marr Djambana


The Public Land Consultancy


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation on negotiating Indigenous Land Use Agreements.
  • Advised Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation (YYNAC) on its application to be formally recognised as the Traditional Owners of the mid Murray region of Northern Victoria.
  • Advised Karungkarni Art and Culture Aboriginal Corporation in its efforts to lift an embargo against access to all Wave Hill Station.

Gilbert + Tobin

Operating out of Perth, Gilbert + Tobin covers aboriginal heritage issues, native title rights, and statutory entitlements. Marshall McKenna leads the team and is geared to handle compensation issues, environmental approvals, and restraints of trade. Other key members of the team include Lauren Shave and Jim Power who are knowledgeable of resources law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marshall McKenna


Autres avocats clés:

Lauren Shave; Jim Power; Arabella Tolé


Les références

‘The native title team at G&T is well lead by Marshall Mackenna. Marshall is very experienced & provides innovative suggestions to consider for planning the way ahead.’

‘The team at G&T is always polite, respectful, and collaborative to work with on all projects.’

Principaux clients

Sandfire Resources Limited


Tivan Limited


CITIC Pacific Mining Management Pty Limited


Sino Iron Pty Ltd


Wesfarmers Group


ACEN Australia


Mincor Resources NL


Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation


Covalent Lithium Pty Ltd


Ora Banda Mining Limited


Anglogold Ashanti Limited


Australian Executor Trustees Limited


Beach Energy Limited


Yued Aboriginal Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised MAC on its Statement of Intent with the Government.
     
  • Advised ACEN Australia on native title issues surrounding the development, ownership, and operation of large-scale renewable energy projects valued at over $1bn.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Often advising public sector entities, Herbert Smith Freehills LLP  is knowledgeable of cultural heritage, ESG, and native title issues. Melanie Debenham heads the team and is particularly active in the infrastructure, mining, and transport sectors. Naomi Hutchings is proficient in stakeholder engagement and statutory compliance, while Amelia Arndt is informed in aboriginal heritage. Peter Briggs is vastly experienced in aboriginal land rights act claims.

Responsables de la pratique:

Melanie Debenham


Autres avocats clés:

Naomi Hutchings; Amelia Arndt; Peter Briggs; Heidi Asten


Principaux clients

Woodside Energy Ltd


First Nations Legal & Research Services


Main Roads WA


Principaux dossiers


McCullough Robertson

McCullough Robertson frequently acts for developers, landholders, and mineral explorers on native title matters and projects. Liam Davis oversees the department from Brisbane and is a key contact for infrastructure providers and property developers. Dominic McGann is noted for his strength in cultural heritage issues, Peter Stokes is experienced in native title claims, and Kate Swain is knowledgeable of aboriginal land rights legislation. Other key members of the team include Ben Turnbull, who is often engaged in tenement approvals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Liam Davis


Autres avocats clés:

Dominic McGann; Peter Stokes; Kate Swain; Ben Turnbull; Emily Collins


Les références

‘Liam Davis, Dominic McGann, and Ben Turnbull’s durability, diligence, professionalism, knowledge, and innovation are evident, while being collaborative, the client’s interests are foremost.’

‘Ben Turnbull is accessible, experienced, able to assist with managing priorities, professional, and personable. Dominic McGann finds a path forward that still represents the interests of all parties with a focus on the client.’

‘Liam Davis understood our business, our end goals, and the unique strategic context we operate within. Leveraging their relationships, skills, and extensive knowledge, they were able to deliver outcomes amid uncertainty and resolve contentious issues to mutual benefit.’

Principaux clients

Bowen River Utilities Pty Ltd


Renewable Energy Partners Pty Ltd


Diatreme Resources Limited


Peabody Energy Australia


Batchfire Resources


Senex Energy Limited


Evolution Mining


Ravenswood Gold


Queensland Government


Land Restoration Fund


Carbon Farmland Fund


Climate Friendly


Tri-Star Group


Bowdens Silver


Principaux dossiers


Norton Rose Fulbright

Noted for its strength in renewables projects, Norton Rose Fulbright  is adept at native title agreements and land use agreements. Gavin Scott leads the practice from Brisbane and is lauded for his ‘unique, enthusiastic, and accessible approach.’ Jessica Rusten is a key port of call for international energy providers, and Ellen Whittred advises clients on first nations and indigenous issues.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gavin Scott


Autres avocats clés:

Jessica Rusten; Ellen Whittred


Les références

‘Gavin Scott stands out for his unique, enthusiastic, and accessible approach to native title and cultural heritage agreement.’

Principaux clients

Rio Tinto


Stockland Australia


Western Green Energy Hub


Powerlink


Acciona


RES Australia Pty Ltd


Central Queensland Power


Stanmore Resources


Cape Flattery Silica Mines Pty Limited


EDF Renewables Australia Pty Ltd


Principaux dossiers


Corrs Chambers Westgarth

Recently handling compensation entitlements, Corrs Chambers Westgarth is knowledgeable of Land Use Agreements. Louise Camenzuli oversees the practice from Sydney and assists clients with native title and cultural heritage issues surrounding infrastructure projects. In Brisbane, Anna White is informed in aboriginal cultural heritage requirements, and Henry Prokuda is lauded for a ‘depth of experience and knowledge.’ Milaan Latten handles indigenous land use agreements, and in Melbourne, Rosie Syme is versed in statutory protections available under Commonwealth and State legislation.

Responsables de la pratique:

Louise Camenzuli


Autres avocats clés:

Anna White; Henry Prokuda; Milaan Latten; Rosie Syme; Brent Lillywhite; Rebecca Field


Les références

‘They really stay on top of matters, and are proactive in their efforts to push things along. The team is very approachable and friendly to work with, and they’ve usually thought about things many steps in advance.’

‘We have used the Brisbane team for due diligence as part of a proposed acquisition and was impressed by the depth of the team and their knowledge in the area. They were responsive and able to meet tight timelines.’

‘The Corrs team is always available to assist and can deploy practitioners with appropriate skills to undertake the task.’

Principaux clients

Transgrid


Powerlink Queensland


Port of Townsville


Northern Territory Government


Redland City Council


Boral


Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC)


M Resources


Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR)


Royal Flying Doctor’s Service


Beach Energy


Property Council


UDIA


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised the Royal Flying Doctors Service on the negotiation of an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) to support the development of a new air base in Townsville.
  • Acted on two native title claims made by the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba people.
  • Advised Beach Energy in relation to current regulatory frameworks on Indigenous consultation and proposed changes to the consultation rules for offshore projects.

Jackson McDonald

A strong choice for aboriginal organisations, Jackson McDonald is proficient in corporate governance, as well as stakeholder management. In Perth, practice head Emma Chinnery often advises clients on aboriginal economic development and benefit management structure. David Murphy is knowledgeable of taxation laws surrounding native title payments.

Responsables de la pratique:

Emma Chinnery


Autres avocats clés:

David Murphy; Alana Schwartz


Les références

‘Their reliability, attention to detail, and excellent client relationships makes them standout.’

‘The qualities that most stand out to me are their professionalism.’

‘Emma Chinnery provides sound advice and exceptional customer service.’

Principaux clients

Waalitj Foundation Limited


Professional Trustee Company


Registered Native Title Body


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted a trustee company with the design of a bespoke home ownership program for beneficiaries of a charitable trust.
  • Advised a Registered Native Title Body on the modernisation of agreements with a key mining proponent.
  • Assisted Indigenous Business Hubs in developing a range of documents to assist in the establishment and governance, of Indigenous joint ventures.

Maddocks

Maddocks’ broad expertise encompasses cultural heritage management, land rights, and native title matters. Michael Winram leads the team from Sydney and often handles native title applications. Other key members of the team include Susanne Rakoczy, who is knowledgeable of land access and stakeholder engagement.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Winram


Autres avocats clés:

Susanne Rakoczy


Les références

‘Maddocks provides up to date info on native title.’

‘Susanne Rakoczy and Micheal Winram provide professional guidance and go above and beyond to help us out.’

Principaux clients

Numerous New South Wales Local Councils


Numerous Victoria Local Councils


Corangamite Local Council


Tharawal Local Aboriginal Land Council


Nungaroo Local Aboriginal Land Council


Wajarri Yamaji Aboriginal Corporation RNTC


Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised on the planning and delivery of the Parkes Water Security Program which involves over $65M of water infrastructure projects.
  • Advised various NSW Local Councils on their obligations as Crown Land Managers regarding native title and cultural heritage matters.
  • Represented a group of Victorian councils as respondents in a native title claim of the Eastern Maar people.

Thomson Geer

The ‘approachable, available, and experienced’ practice at Thomson Geer often handles native title and aboriginal heritage protection matters. In Perth, Paul Harley is a key port of call for key infrastructure and service providers in the resources and energy sectors. Sarah O’Brien-Smith is experienced in both contentious and non-contentious mining work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Paul Harley; Sarah O’Brien-Smith


Les références

‘Approachable, available, and experienced.’

‘Friendly, pragmatic, and reliable.’

Principaux clients

Silver Lake Resources Limited


Azure Minerals Limited


Cannon Resources Limited


Future Battery Minerals Limited


Hallett Group


Falcon Minerals Limited


Metal Hawk Limited


DevelopmentWA


GMA Garnet Pty Ltd


Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Azure Minerals in negotiations with native title groups.
  • Acting for Cannon Resources in negotiations with native title groups.
  • Acting for Silver Lake in negotiations with native title groups.