- Federal Court determination acknowledges native title rights and interests of Payarri Traditional Owners
- Cook Government welcomes the 125th consent determination recognising native title in Western Australia
- Western Australia continues to be the leading jurisdiction in the country for native title recognition
- Cook Government acknowledges the cultural heritage of Western Australia's Aboriginal people and the value they bring to the State
The Cook Government today celebrates a significant milestone in Western Australia's native title journey with the recognition of Payarri Traditional Owners in the Northern Goldfields.
The Federal Court determination marks the 125th consent determination recognising native title in WA and comes 25 years after the first consent determination in the State.
This means native title now covers more than three quarters of Western Australia - the largest area of any state or territory in the nation.
Thisoutcomefollows more than three years of negotiation between the State and Payarri Traditional Owners, with thedeterminationcovering approximately 3,702 square kilometres of land.
The Payarri Aboriginal Corporation will become the registered native title body corporate for the determination.
The event was celebrated in the Northern Goldfields, with Traditional Owners and WA Government representatives on Thursday.
The WA Government remains committed to supporting the recognition of Traditional Owners' connection to Country. This includes working with native title holders in a way that respects their rights, protects cultural heritage, strengthens land management aspirations, and creates opportunities for local communities.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
"Twenty-five years after Western Australia's first consent determination, I congratulate the Payarri Native Title holders on this significant achievement.
"The WA Government acknowledges the 125th consent determination recognising native title in Western Australia and looks forward to building an enduring and collaborative relationship with the Payarri Aboriginal Corporation.
"Our government is committed to working with Traditional Owners to resolve native title matters through collaboration and agreement-making."
