Native Title: Proponents
Asia-Pacific Guide 2024 : Australia
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+61 2 9230 4000About
Provided by Allens
Native title has been on the Australian legal landscape for more than two decades, generating many practical issues for the mineral, oil and gas, infrastructure and property sectors, as well as for financiers, pastoralists, governments and indigenous communities. As Australian states and territories continue to implement reforms of their native title frameworks and policies, and native title case law evolves, Allens continues to work with key players to find solutions to native title issues, including agreements with indigenous communities.
We offer specialist expertise on crucial aspects such as security of title, interpretation of the native title legislation, negotiation with indigenous communities, disclosure requirements, litigation and compensation liability. Our lawyers regularly advise on native title and cultural heritage issues relating to major projects, particularly in the energy and resources and infrastructure sectors, and how companies might navigate the approval regime. Often, such projects involve the construction or establishment of substantial infrastructure such as dams, water pipelines, railways, ports, gas pipelines, electricity lines and power stations.
Chambers Review
Allens' established, national practice provides a full suite of native title services, covering both contentious and non-contentious issues. It has a strong track record of acting for market-leading energy and resources companies on indigenous engagement and native title trust issues. It is also experienced in advising government clients on native title considerations associated with the privatisation of state-owned assets. Key clients include Energy Resources Australia, Glencore and Anglogold Ashanti.
Work Highlights
- Allens undertook native title due diligence for TPG and advised it on native title risk and liability for compensation in relation to the sale of its fibre optic cable business.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Allens are a full service, experienced firm. They return calls promptly and are intelligent."
"Allens are a full service, experienced firm. They return calls promptly and are intelligent."
Notable Practitioners
Ben Zillmann is a Brisbane-based practitioner who is well recognised in the space for his work advising proponents who are active in the minerals, coal, gas and hydroelectrical industries.
"Ben Zillmann is a terrific practitioner."