Department profile
McCullough Robertson

Native Title: Proponents

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : Australia


McCullough Robertson

Rankings

About

Provided by McCullough Robertson

McCullough Robertson’s native title practice is one of Australia’s leading teams, renowned for its pioneering role in developing native title law. With over 30 years of experience, the team has built a reputation for navigating the complexities of native title and cultural heritage issues, requiring sensitivity, patience, and a deep understanding of legislation and community expectations.

They advise a diverse range of clients, including government entities, Traditional Owners, developers, and land users, providing tailored solutions to meet their obligations in this intricate area. Expertise includes negotiating and drafting Indigenous land use agreements, right to negotiate agreements, and cultural heritage management plans. The focus extends to future acts, land access, and projects in mining, renewable energy, and infrastructure, ensuring services are appropriate, commercial, and cost-effective.

The team combines traditional legal activities with strategic advisory roles, prioritising cultural sensitivities to achieve harmonious outcomes. The practice regularly lectures on this subject at universities across the eastern seaboard and offers native title training, making it a preferred provider for Indigenous groups and businesses. Committed to advancing native title law, the team ensures clients receive the highest standard of service, solidifying its status as the ‘go-to’ native title law firm for significant clients across Australia.

Clients (5)

  • Peabody
  • Senex Energy
  • Diatreme Resources
  • Qld Gov
  • Iberdrola

Industries (6)

  • Government
  • Mining
  • Renewable Energy
  • Infrastructure
  • Property Development
  • Agriculture

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Native Title: Proponents - Australia

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

McCullough Robertson regularly represents proponent clients, including leading players in the mining and gas sectors. It advises on indigenous land use and the right to negotiate agreements, cultural heritage management strategies and future act and compensation issues. The law firm is noted for its strength in advising on consents for carbon projects and the interaction between obtaining carbon credits and native title rights. It also advises state and local government agencies.

Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • McCullough Robertson supported Diatreme Resources with permitting and approvals processes in relation to their flagship Northern Silica Project, a greenfield high purity silica sand mine in an Aboriginal community.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team consistently provides timely, practical advice, often within tight timeframes, which has been critical to supporting our operational decision-making.

    Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific
  • McCullough Robertson really understand the Aboriginal groups, their motivations and the challenges and limits of the native title and cultural heritage space.

    Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific
  • The knowledge and experience of the team, including the strong relationships they have with key stakeholders, makes the difference.

    Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Dominic McGann
    Band 1Dominic McGann

    Dominic McGann

    Dominic McGann is based in Brisbane and is particularly noted for advising both government and corporate clients on the native title aspects of major developments in the energy and resources sector.

    • Dominic sets out to achieve the best outcome for his client. His level of sophistication, understanding and vision is unmatched. He's a rare find in today's commercial world.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Dominic has a deep knowledge of the area and always makes himself available to assist. He is aware of, and considers, the commercial and reputational aspects as well as the black-letter law.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Dominic is at the top of his game. His long-term success is due to a high level of expertise and a persistence which can be awe-inspiring.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific
  • Band 3Liam Davis
    Band 3Liam Davis

    Liam Davis

    Liam Davis advises extensively on the interaction of native title and cultural heritage issues with the development of large projects. He is based in Brisbane.

    • Liam has exceptional interpersonal skills and a well-honed ability to read a room and adapt his responses and communication style to the audience.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Liam has successfully navigated both the complexities and nuances of our own business as well as the legal matters we're attending to with maturity and wisdom.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific
    • Liam provides very commercial, clear advice.

      Native Title: Proponents respondentAsia-Pacific

Ranked Individuals at McCullough Robertson (2)

Australia

Members

Provided by McCullough Robertson

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