Native Title: Proponents
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : Australia
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+61 2 9258 6000About
Provided by Ashurst
We are the only Australian law firm with a significant nationwide native title practice and established long-term relationships with key stakeholders in Government, industry representative bodies and indigenous organisations.
Our team is consistently at the forefront of developments in native title law and policy, advising commonwealth agencies on legislative reform, as well as peak industry bodies on proposed reform and draft industry submissions.
We have extensive experience across the mining, oil & gas, energy utilities and infrastructure industries. For example, we continue to act for mining companies in the Pilbara region of Western Australia where the scale of the iron ore deals are unparalleled in terms of quantum and complexity.
Our market leading understanding of this area of law is summarised in our annual flagship publication 'Native Title Year in Review,' which records and reflects on the developments in native title law and practice over the preceding year.
Chambers Review
Ashurst is a go-to firm for proponents for advice on complex native title and cultural heritage mandates. With its comprehensive geographical reach, Ashurst maintains dedicated native title expertise in five mainland offices and is additionally active in the Northern Territory and South Australia. Its depth of expertise positions it well to deliver high-quality advice to blue-chip energy, resources and infrastructure companies on both contentious and non-contentious issues throughout the country, including the negotiation of project-specific agreements with traditional owner parties and litigation to Full Federal Court and High Court level. The team advises industry groups within the mining space on proposed legislative reforms, changes to state legislation and case law. It counsels Commonwealth and state government bodies on law reform and other practice area issues. Ashurst also offers additional strength in acting for government bodies on issues including law reform, as well as indigenous land use agreements.
Work Highlights
- Ashurst provided strategic advice to the Office of Hydrogen Power of the Government of South Australia on native title and Aboriginal heritage issues arising in relation to its Hydrogen Jobs Plan and the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Nothing is ever to much trouble for Ashurst. They are quick to provide advice, options, avenues and alternative viewpoints, giving clients data to make informed value-based decisions."
"Ashurst are leaders in the field. We rely on their knowledge of what is common in the market just as much as their legal advice. They understand what is workable from a business perspective."
"Nothing is ever to much trouble for Ashurst. They are quick to provide advice, options, avenues and alternative viewpoints, giving clients data to make informed value-based decisions."
"Ashurst are leaders in the field. We rely on their knowledge of what is common in the market just as much as their legal advice. They understand what is workable from a business perspective."
Notable Practitioners
Geoff Gishubl is based in Perth and combines his role as Ashurst's chief operating officer with continuing involvement in key practice area mandates, notably including those involving the native title aspects of major mining operations.
"Geoff Gishubl is extremely good and always has been."
Andrew Gay acts for a range of high-profile mining, energy and infrastructure sector clients on complex native title agreement negotiation and implementation mandates.
"Andrew is very trusted. His legal and industry knowledge is outstanding, and his dedication is unmatchable. He maintains professionalism, while being totally relatable, friendly and reliable."
"Andrew is an absolute pleasure to work with and the epitome of a trusted adviser."
Tony Denholder is a highly esteemed Brisbane-based practitioner who is regularly instructed by leading players in the mining and infrastructure sectors.
"Tony Denholder has been a leader in the field for a very long time."
"Tony is very knowledgeable and knows the relevant history. He provides sensible and practical advice in a space where advice is more strategic and not strictly legal."
Clare Lawrence is frequently instructed by significant corporates and government entities on native title and heritage matters relating to operations in the resources sector or infrastructure projects.
"Clare is the gold standard in understanding her client and their goals and working hard to achieve those goals."
"Clare Lawrence holds significant gravitas. She's held in very high regard, which makes all the difference when there are no right answers."
Libby McKillop is based in Brisbane and acts extensively for energy and resources, infrastructure and government sector clients in the area where mining law, indigenous land law and cultural heritage issues intersect.
"Libby is exceptional."