This project further built on recent work done on international developments in Indigenous water rights. The project examined the detail of present law and associated process in northern Australia and the way it deals with native title and other Indigenous interests in water. In particular, the project investigated (i) the match of state and territory law to the National Water Initiative in areas affecting Indigenous interests; (ii) obligations under existing law and process in water planning, including the nature of consultation required, treatment of native title etc and; (iii) implications of recent court decisions (especially Blue Mud Bay).
The project was led by Michael O’Donnell.
