Gilbert + Tobin has joined forces with the National Native Title Tribunal to lead workshops exploring the implications of the Federal Court’s landmark native title compensation ruling last month.

The decision of Griffiths v Northern Territory is the first publicly available judicial analysis of the quantum of compensation payable by Government for the historical impact of grants on native title rights and interests. 

Gilbert + Tobin Partner Marshall McKenna is one of Australia’s most experienced native title lawyers, and said it was important for stakeholders to understand the complexities around the issue.

“Compensation in relation to native title rights will take some time to be ascertained and it is not yet clear where the ultimate liability will lie.”

Mr McKenna said he was honoured to be collaborating with the National Native Title Tribunal to provide legal context and address the implications of the decision from the perspective of proponents and indigenous claimants.

Raelene Webb QC, National Native Title Tribunal President said the Griffiths decision heralds a new and not well understood chapter in the native title story.

"It is important for all interested parties to understand what this decision means and its impact. It is with this goal in mind that we have joined forces with Gilbert +Tobin to conduct a series of workshops around the country to discuss the issue of compensation," she said. 

Rebecca Hughes is the solicitor at the Northern Land Council with responsibility for the carriage of the Griffith matter, and will be presenting at the Melbourne and Brisbane sessions.

Tessa Herrmann had carriage of an important compensation application as the internal counsel for Central Desert Native Title Services, and will present at the Sydney and Perth sessions.

Workshop Dates 

Sydney:  Thursday 15 September

Perth: Monday 19 September

Brisbane: 11 October

Melbourne: Tuesday 25 October