Native Title: Proponents
Asia-Pacific Guide 2025 : 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.
Work Highlights
- Allens negotiated a native title 'right to negotiate agreement' for RareX's Cummins Range phosphate-enabled rare earths project.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The depth of experience and legal expertise means that Allens can handle very complex matters."
"Allens are excellent. They provide up-to-date advice and are polite and professional, tailoring that advice to our specific needs."
"The depth of experience and legal expertise means that Allens can handle very complex matters."
"Allens are excellent. They provide up-to-date advice and are polite and professional, tailoring that advice to our specific needs."
Notable Practitioners
Ben Zillmann is a Brisbane-based practitioner who is recognised in the space for his work advising proponents who are active in the minerals, coal, gas and hydroelectrical industries.
"Ben Zillmann possesses great knowledge and legal expertise whilst being very commercial in his approach."
"Ben is an excellent partner to work with and has thorough knowledge of his field of expertise."