June 2008 Amalgamation of Native Title Bodies on Track Directions Hearings for 2007 Gunggari Land Handed Back Team Building Workshop Table of Contents

A Word from Our CEO, Val Cooms 1 Communities 2 Amalgamation of Native Title Bodies on Track 3 Research 3 Corporate Services Section 4 Staff Training 4 Meetings, Meetings, Meetings... 5 Directions Hearings for 2007/08 6 Team Building Workshop 8 Staff Profi le Questions 8 Gunggari Land Handed Back 9 Contact Us 9 the newsletter of South Native Title Servicesthe newsletter of Queensland South Native Title June 2008 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS i A Word from Our CEO, Val Cooms

he nearly fi nalised amalgamation of Queensland South Native The past 4½ years have been very rewarding for me in terms of TTitle Services, Gurang Land Council and part of Carpentaria setting up the new QSNTS and working with the traditional owners Land Council will no doubt bring about immense changes to the and Applicants throughout the region. It has allowed me to bring services provided to our clients. As CEO, my chief concerns during together my work in the public sector and my concern for the this amalgamation were to ensure that, fi rst, as an organisation we Indigenous community of South Queensland in one turbulent but maintained the level and quality of our service to our clients and, fulfi lling job. second, that staff retained their entitlements and did not lose out in the amalgamation. I thank the Community Public Sector Union I wish you all the best with your Native Title Determination for its close involvement in the latter issue and believe that we have Applications and thank you for the opportunity to work with you in done our best to fi ght for protection of staff entitlements. Once this diffi cult and complicated process. amalgamated, all affected traditional owners and Applicants will be advised of the changes. Yours in the Indigenous struggle, Val Cooms the newsletter of Queensland South Native Title Servicesthe newsletter of Queensland South Native Title June 2008 I will not be staying with QSNTS as the Chief Executive Offi cer after the amalgamation but instead will take up a research position with the Queensland University of Technology full time and work part time to assist QSNTS with the transition and settle the incoming Chief Executive Offi cer. CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS

1 Communities

n the delivery of quality native title test. QSNTS attended workshops recently Western Applicants Iservices to the Traditional Owners of the for both Mununjali and Ugarapul groups in Queensland South Area, the last twelve April 2007. Workshop months has been a very busy time for the Communities and Future Act Unit. Applicants from Boonthamurra, Budjiti, Eastern Land Mardigan and Mithaka have participated To make certain that Applicants receive in three workshops in January, July and a consistent fl ow of information on the Summit October of this year. These meetings progress of their claim the Communities were very valuable as they were a way of and Future Act Unit is the fi rst point of One of our main events of the year was providing applicants with a wide range of contact as we provide advice, receive the Eastern Land Summit held on North information from IBA, ILA and ORATSIC instructions from Traditional Owners and Stradbroke Island in February 2007 for such as governance, capacity building, land professional staff/consultants and follow up Applicants and Representatives from the acquisition, business opportunities, and on all claim related business to ensure that Quandamooka, Jinibara, establishment of a PBC and constitution a consistent service is provided. #2, Jagera, Turrbul, Gold Coast and Gubbi design. Applicants also had an opportunity Gubbi (Glasshouse Mt). Over the two to discuss with QSNTS the Legal Services The Unit also manages the logistics of days, groups had an opportunity to discuss Strategic Plan, Claim progression, all meeting and travel arrangements issues of concern with neighbours and be communication protocols and the roles & which include budget management, briefed on relevant information regarding responsibilities of Applicants. documentation of all correspondence and their claims, as well as the service provision meeting outcomes while also maintaining functions of QSNTS. an ever changing database that consist Future Acts of all contact details of applicants and research groups. Authorisation Section 24 Notices The Future Act Unit processed a total of Below is a short summary of meetings/ Meetings 422 Section 24 Notifi cations during 2007. workshops that Communities have organised for 2007. Wherever possible, QSNTS conducts Section 29 Notices authorisation meetings on country. This The Future Act Unit processed a total of 55 requires the community team to do a lot Section 29 Notifi cations during 2007. Pre Registration of planning and organising of all meeting arrangements while ensuring that Traditional As there is much more work to be done Workshops Owners understand the authorisation in the progressing of all the NTDAs in the process and their rights to participate in the Queensland South region, the Communities As part of QSNTS’ Legal Services Strategic meeting. and Future Act Unit will continue to work

the newsletter of Queensland South Native Title Servicesthe newsletter of Queensland South Native Title June 2008 Plan, all groups wishing to lodge a Native with the same determination of the last Title Determination Applications (NTDAs) QSNTS recently held two authorisation twelve months to ensure that traditional must participate in a Pre Registration meetings for the and Quandamooka owners receive an equitable delivery of Workshop. These workshops are run by people as part of the progression of their service across the region. the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) NTDAs. Both are awaiting the completion to assist groups in ascertaining what is of their Form 1 for the pre-lodgement required for groups to pass the registration registration test assessment by the NNTT. CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS

2 Amalgamation of Native Title Bodies on Track

he amalgamation of Native Title T bodies covering the greater part of Queensland is proceeding on target, with January 2009 being set as the starting date for the new arrangements.

Under the new arrangements, foreshadowed by the last Howard government in September 2007, native title functions handled by Land Council (Bundaberg) and Carpenteria Land Council (Mt Isa) will be transferred to Queensland South Native Title Services, based in . This will create the largest single Native Title organisation in Queensland.

Arrangements for staff at Goreng Goreng and Carpenteria are being developed. The preferred option of QSNTS is that no staff member should be subjected to forced redundancy. Negotiations on staffi ng and other matters are taking place with the Commonwealth and the organisations involved.

Arrangements for clients will be discussed during the year. Currently, QSNTS divides its clients geographically into the Western, Central and Eastern groups. Whether this approach can be extended to incorporate the new clients remains to be seen. Alternative methods of grouping clients QSNTS is keen to involve the As information on the amalgamation becomes may have to be considered. Whatever the Commonwealth Public Sector Union in the clearer QSNTS will be sending information to arrangments, QSNTS will seek to extend amalgamation discussions. clients advising of the developments. the same level of service to all its clients. QSNTS would be glad to hear from any Please note that throughout the At this stage, there is no indication of a of its clients regarding the amalgamation amalgamation process it will be change in policy regarding amalgamation proposal. Feel free to call QSNTS to share “business as usual” for all our staff in from the new Rudd Labor government. your views. providing service to our clients.

Research

here has been a lot happening in the Research Section. TRobyn Jenkins, Michelle Langley and Joe Firinu have moved on. The Research section now consists of the researchers Michael Thompson, Antje Noll and Shoshona Grounds who are supervised by the Native Title Manager Nathan Woolford.

Ongoing and recent research includes Stage Two reports for Mithaka, Boonthamurra, Mardigan, Quandamooka and Budjiti. A linguist report has been completed for QSNTS’ western region as well as research on the Sunshine Coast, Darling Downs, and .

The Land Interest Reference (LIR) is the fi ling system that the newsletter of Queensland South Native Title Servicesthe newsletter of Queensland South Native Title June 2008 contains all of QSNTS’ reports and other information relevant to Aboriginal land interests in the Queensland South Region. In the past two years the LIR has tripled in size from 300 items to nearly 1000. Therefore a major review has been conducted of the LIR collection to streamline its use and functionality. (Access to the LIR is highly restricted). The Research Team CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS

3 Corporate Services Section

ueensland South Native Title Services is funded by the offi ce equipment, stationery and maintenance of the offi ce as QCommonwealth Department of Families, Housing, Community well as travel. Corporate also manages staff training, which is Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA). The major function of essential to the organisation as well as the staff member, so the Corporate Section is to assist the CEO in managing this funding that QSNTS can provide better service. This training is offered in accordance with FaHCSIA’s funding terms and conditions. on a regular basis to ensure skills are updated to provide a productive workplace. In addition, the Corporate Section manages the day to day running of the offi ce. This includes budget and payroll, vehicles, At present, QSNTS has a staff of 22 of which six are corporate staff.

Staff Training

s QSNTS evolves as an organisation Administration at UQ with some part time Awe are concentrating on making sure work from QSNTS. that our staff have the right set of skills needed for us to deliver the best service Two law cadets, Nadia Currie and Peter to our clients. This has meant that we have Brown, are in the middle of their courses. focussed on staff training and development They have just completed working full time so that staff gain those skills. over the end of year break at QSNTS.

A constant shortage of qualifi ed QSNTS has developed an Individual professional Indigenous people is Development Plan process for staff a problem not only for Native Title to defi ne more clearly the training and organisations but for nearly all Indigenous development opportunities that they need

the newsletter of Queensland South Native Title Servicesthe newsletter of Queensland South Native Title June 2008 community organisations. QSNTS is for fulfi lling their jobs. This program will be developing this pool of professional people implemented during the year. by sponsoring cadets in various university courses, but mainly law. Training in First Aid will be provided to staff by March 2008. This will allow all staff to This year one cadet sponsored by provide fi rst aid in any situation including QSNTS, Philip Attel, graduated in Business from the University community meetings. We will also be training staff in advanced CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS of Queensland. Philip has now started a Masters of Business 4WD driving to assist them with their fi eld trips. 4 Meetings, Meetings, Meetings... Native Title meetings are at the heart of our business

SNTS organises and conducts a An Authorisation Meeting has a very Finally, Applicants Meetings can be for a Qrange of meetings every year for specifi c job; it is the meeting of a native range of topics, all relating to native title. native title claimants and applicants. The title claim group that authorises a native These can include information sessions on attached table shows the number and title claim to go ahead. Often QSNTS will native title, governance issues or customary range of meetings for the current year and run a Workshop for the claim group on the law, as well as other possible topics. previous two years. Each meeting takes issues surrounding the native claim before months of liaison and planning work. the Authorisation. All our community meetings are arranged and managed by our Community Relations The types of meetings vary but fall broadly Land Summits are meetings that cover a Section. This section is staffed by into three types: region or sub-region of QSNTS’ area. At experienced Murri fi eld workers who have a Land Summit, anthropological reports many years collective fi eld and meeting • Authorisation Meetings will be discussed with native title claim experience. If you have a query about • Land Summits groups in the region. Processes for dealing meetings call QSNTS and ask to speak to • Applicants Meetings with disagreements with the reports are someone from Community Relations. discussed.

Year Held Meeting Name Date Held Group/s Venue Town 2006 Kunja Authorisation 30 September Kunja Paroo Shire Council Budjiti Authorisation 1 October Budjiti Paroo Shire Council Eulo 2007 Western Applicants Workshp 15-16 Jan Brisbane Bidjara Authorisation 10 February Town Hall Charleville Eastern Land Summit 23 25 February MBRC Dunwich “Governance and Capacity Building 27 July Westen Region Bungil centre Roma workshop Mithaka Consitutional Design 18 October Bungil centre Roma workshop Follow up goverance and capacity 19 October Westen Region Bungil centre Roma buliding workshop Budjiti and Mardigan MOU discussion 20 October Bungil centre Roma Pre Registration workshop 16 April Mununjali Beaudesert Pre Registration workshop Ugarapul Boondah Barunggam Hot Tub QSNTS Brisbane Elders Council meeting 1 December Quandamooka Community Hall Dunwich Quandamooka Authorisation 1 December Community Hall Dunwich 2008 Kullilli Info Sessions 15 February Skill Centre Woorabinda Kullilli Info Sessions 23 February The Pulse Murgon Kullilli Authorisation 29 March Thargomindah/ or 10 May Murgon/Woorabinda Bidjara Applicants meeting 21 February Bungil Centre Roma Quandamooka-Law & Customs February Bungil Centre Roma Western Applicants Workshop 14-15 March the newsletter of Queensland South Native Title Servicesthe newsletter of Queensland South Native Title June 2008 Sunshine Coast Authorisation 5 April Gungarri Authorisation 3 May Bollon Bigambul Authorisation 17 May Jinbara Authorisation 24 May Darling Downs Authorisation 30 May Western Land Summit June CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS

5 Directions Hearings for 2007/08

he fi rst half of the year saw 9 March Jinibara, Jagera #2 and Glasshouse TQueensland South Native Title Service Mithaka People, Kabi Kabi People #2 & Mtns – Gubbi Gubbi were ordered to (QSNTS) busily preparing for over a dozen #3, Barunggam People, Bigambul People, maintained mediation to resolve overlaps directions hearings at the Brisbane Federal Mandandanji People #2 & #3, Tara Shire and claim group description issues with Courts. Despite the second half only Council and Noonukul of Minjerribah other overlapping claims, and for the accounting for over half a dozen directions NNTT to report on the progress of hearings, the pace needed to effi ciently The regional hearing heard these matters this mediation. and effectively process these native title together with the court ordering Gurang determination applications (NTDAs) did Land Council to be joined as a party to 26 April not slow down. The professionalism with the Kabi Kabi #2 & #3 proceedings and Bidjara #3 which QSNTS endeavours to perform its the serving and fi ling of affi davit material duties and functions to facilitate the NTDA authorising the Kabi Kabi #3 application. An extension was granted by Justice process saw a number of applications QSNTS provided a Court Report to the Dowsett for the compliance of orders made signifi cantly progressed, and a number Court and relevant parties in relation to on 20 November 2006, with notice made of boundary and claim group issues the Barunggam, Bigambul, Mandandanji that if the order was not complied with the resolved. QSNTS has been involved in #2 & #3 matters. Both Mandandanji matter would stand dismissed. many collaborate mediation conferences, #2 & #3 were to fi le a NTDA refl ecting convened by the National Native Title resolutions of the authorisation meeting 3 May Tribunal (NNTT), with applicants, private held 9 September 2006. Additionally, Ian Kabi Kabi People #2 & #3 solicitors or barristers, and Crown Law Delaney became a respondent party to the solicitors. While many issues have been Noonukul of Minjerribah proceedings. The court ordered QSNTS to be joined as resolved, there still remains much work a party to Kabi Kabi #2 & #3 proceedings, to be done in order to overcome some of 19 March and that the notice of motion to discontinue the challenging obstacles that a number Barunggam and Bigambul the proceedings be delayed to a further of applications currently face. Demanding date. challenges constantly confront the QSNTS provided Court Reports for these native title claims process, however, this two matters. 17 May has recently intensifi ed with the recent Mandandanji People #2 &# 3 Gudjala decision, the review judgment 28 March placing further onerous requirements People The court ordered that the order made and responsibilities on claimants for the requiring both applications to fi le a NTDA provision of connection evidence. However, The court ordered further and better be extended to mid 2007. QSNTS is in the process of addressing particulars of the Points of Claim to be these obstacles, working closely with provided by the applicant to respondents 22 May the NNTT and research anthropologists requesting such material. Turrbal People to decide how best to tackle these new issues. Overall, although QSNTS has had a 17 April The court ordered that further material be busy year, it has dealt with the progression #1 & #2, People provided by the applicant in relation to the

the newsletter of Queensland South Native Title Servicesthe newsletter of Queensland South Native Title June 2008 of NTDAs with much effi cacy, remaining #1 & #3, Jinibara People, notice of motion fi led, with respondents committed to providing the best service for #2 and Glasshouse Mtns Gubbi Gubbi needing to fi le and serve material if native title claimants in the region. opposing the motion. These matters were heard together with The following list of directions hearing the court ordering that the NNTT provide 5 June provide a brief summary of how the matters a Report on the mediation progress made Gunggari People #1 & #2, Kooma People progressed. for both Gunggari and Kooma matters. #1 & #3 CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS

6 The court ordered that the NNIT provide a serve an affi davit identifying the claim group work plan including a timeline for resolution report on the progress of mediation to the suffi ciently by late 2007, otherwise the of overlaps, fi ling of an application for Court. application stands dismissed. Jo-ann Fraser leave to amend the claim and a date for was dismissed as a respondent. the commencement and completion of the 12 June anthropological research. This matter is to Jinibara People 9 August be heard in early 2008. Kabi Kabi #3 The court ordered that QSNTS fi le an 23 November amended application. Judgment: claim dismissed. Jinibara People

25 June 7 September The court ordered that the fi ling of the Boonthamurra People Mithaka People, Barunggam People, work plan be extended by approximately (Review of Decision) Bigambul People, Tara Shire Council and 5 months and the matter be listed for early Kabi Kabi #2 2008. The court granted leave to the applicant to discontinue the application on the basis The court ordered that QSNTS fi le and 5 December that each party bear their own costs. serve a report outlining any anthropological Gunggari People #1 & #2, Kooma People recommendations in respect to the claim #1 & #3 26 June group description in relation to Bigambul. Barunggam People In the matter of Barunggam, a notice of In Gunggari #1, the court ordered that motion for leave to amend the application QSNTS fi le and serve an affi davit setting The court ordered the motion seeking needs to be fi led and served by QSNTS in out the progress of negotiations with joinder by Margaret McLeod be listed for 2008, removing overlaps and amending the the State of Queensland for resolving hearing in late 2007, with further material claim group description. QSNTS must also the claim including possible timeframe to be lodged in an affi davit for reasons for fi le and serve a progress report in relation for fi nal resolution. In Gunggari #2 and joining. Respondent parties were to fi le and to anthropological research in 2008. Kooma #3, QSNTS was ordered to fi le an serve written submissions in response. Mithaka was listed for further directions in affi davit showing steps proposed for the 2008, and Tara Shire Council ordered to amendment of the claims to remove the 29 June cease mediation, the matter also adjourned overlap. The Kooma applicant was also Noonukul of Minjerribah till 2008. Additionally, the court ordered the ordered to provide an affi davit showing discontinuance of Kabi Kabi People #2. steps proposed to progress the matter The application was struck out pursuant to including providing a connection report. s 84C of the Native Title Act. 8 October If the courts are not satisfi ed with these Mithaka People affi davits, the court will ask QSNTS and 5 July the Kooma applicant to show cause why Boonthamurra The court ordered that the applicant as the claims should not be dismissed in presently constituted be replaced. early 2008. Leave was granted for the application to be amended. 19 October 21 December Jinibara People, Jagera People #2 and Mithaka People the newsletter of Queensland South Native Title Servicesthe newsletter of Queensland South Native Title June 2008 27 July Glasshouse Mtns-Gubbi Gubbi Bidjara People #2, #3, #4 The court ordered that the application could Both Jagera #2 and Glasshouse Mtns- be amended. The court ordered both Bidjara #3 & #4 to Gubbi Gubbi were adjourned. In Jinibara, be adjourned, and Bidjara #2 to fi le and QSNTS was ordered to fi le and serve a CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS

7 Team Building Workshop

n 18 and 19 December 2007, QSNTS staff participated in Day two saw all staff gathering in their respective work groups for Oa two day, residential team building exercise at Joondoburri a day of operational planning and coordination of work with out Conference Centre, a conference facility on the “surf” side of Bribie work groups. Island at Woorim. Staff commented that the Team Building workshop was a good The multi-talented Leah Purcell was Facilitator for the Workshop. way to end the calendar year and helped them start the new year Day one saw staff building trust and developing their work refreshed and ready for new challenges. relationships through a range of very physical (but not dangerous) activities. That night QSNTS celebrated its Christmas dinner together and received “Secret Santa” gifts.

Staff Profi le Questions

Kerrie Griffen Maurice Serico Michael Thompson Chantal Nagas Where were you born? Walcha, NSW Brisbane, QLD Harlan, Iowa, USA Cairns, QLD How many brothers and Seven brothers, four One brother, one sister One brother Three brothers sisters do you have? sisters What is your favourite Lasagne, Nikolai Tesla Nearly anything with Pizza, No-one Chicken vermicelli, food and who would you fresh coriander in it, share with bro share it with? my friends Who is your favourite Christian Bale Ray Winstone Robert de Niro Chris Tucker, actor/actress? Drew Barrymore What is your favourite Surfi ng Reading Basketball Postcards, sport or hobby? stamp collecting If you could, where would Ohau, Hawaii Costa Rica Mediterranean Paris you go for a holiday? What is your Coke Dry martini, only on Beer Portello the newsletter of Queensland South Native Title Servicesthe newsletter of Queensland South Native Title June 2008 favourite drink? Bombay Sapphire gin What do you see as Land rights, Native Title Health, Native Title Racism some of the issues cultural heritage that are signifi cant to Indigenous people? CONNECTIONS CONNECTIONS

8 Gunggari Land Handed Back

t an authorisation meeting held at Dunkeld on Saturday, 3 May ILUA that settles the status of local government controlled land in A2008, the Gungarri People agreed a suite of land exchanges the Gunggari #2 native title claim and also agrees cultural heritage and handbacks that will help resolve native title issues. In the fi rst arrangements in relation to that land. The ILUA also provides exchange, the Gungarri People agreed an Indigenous Land Use for traditional access rights by the Gunggari people to council Agreement with the Queensland Government which will result in the controlled land. settlement and discontinuance of the Gunggari #1native title claim. Under this ILUA, the Gunggari people will receive grants of freehold Further, this ILUA provides for local recognition of the Gungarri title over certain lands in around Dunkeld and a further grant of People as the original and traditional inhabitants of the area and to “Aboriginal Freehold” under the Aboriginal Land Act 1991. Dunkeld further reconciliation for the Gungarri People. lies some 40 kilometres south of Mitchell on the road to St George. As a result of the progress made by the Gunggari people, QSNTS In an ILUA with a number of local governments, further Gungarri has been able to prioritise that group for the funding of a stage 2 Native Title issues were resolved. Balonne Shire, Murweh Shire and connection report. Roma Regional Councils and the Gungarri People have agreed an

Contact Us

esolving Native Title issues is a We want you to know about us, who we This is our fi rst issue and even though we Rprocess that requires close and are, what we do and what we believe. We have worked hard to make it the best we meaningful communication between are not just a faceless organisation; we are can there are always things that can be organisations like QSNTS and traditional part of your community. done better the next time. Get in touch with the newsletter of Queensland South Native Title Servicesthe newsletter of Queensland South Native Title June 2008 owners, claimants, applicants and other us. Call on (07) 3221 5500 or email us on stakeholders. The issues we cover a If you like what you see in this newsletter let [email protected]. complex and broad reaching. us know. If there are things you would like to see in future issues please call us and We provide this newsletter, “Connections”, tell us. We are always looking for ways to in the interest of increasing the improve our communication with you. communication fl ow between us and you. CONNECTIONS 9 OUR VISION

TO DELIVER HIGH QUALITY NATIVE TITLE SERVICES TO INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN THE REGION THROUGH PROFESSIONAL AND TRANSPARENT PROCESSES.

Queensland South Level 3 PO Box 10832 P 07 . 3221 5500 Native Title Services 20 Wharf Street Adelaide Street F 07 . 3221 5522 Brisbane Q 4000 Brisbane Q 4000 W www.qsnts.com.au