Native Title: Proponents | Asia-Pacific

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.

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 strategiesand 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.

Norton Rose Fulbright regularly advises inbound investors and other developers on native title, cultural heritage and land rights issues arising in relation to large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. The law firm houses expertise on the legislative framework around indigenous affairs, including the changes to cultural heritage laws in Western Australia and New South Wales. It also offers additional expertise in complex litigation, including in relation to indigenous land use agreements and compensation claims.

DLA Piper's Perth-based practice combines a strong Western Australian focus with a full national capability, offering integrated land access and native title services to project proponents in the resources, infrastructure and real estate sectors. It is increasingly active on renewables projects across Australia and frequently assists with native title disputes as well as advising on non-contentious matters.

Gilbert + Tobin handles the full scope of native title matters, including the negotiation of native title agreements, indigenous land use agreements, future acts and cultural heritage agreements. The team is noted for its considerable experience in the mining and minerals sector as well as acting for forestry and pastoral proponents. It also frequently acts for large natural resources companies.

Herbert Smith Freehills' well-respected, Queensland-headquartered group draws on expertise across a range of disciplines to assist clients in the delivery of high-profile resources and infrastructure projects. It provides comprehensive advisory services covering native title, cultural heritage, land access and approvals issues. The team is also noted for its strong litigation expertise and represents clients in Federal Court and National Native Title Tribunal proceedings. Herbert Smith Freehills has close interactions with many leading industry bodies in the mining, oil and gas, energy and water sectors.