Native Title: Proponents | Asia-Pacific

Clayton Utz's impressive offering is noted for providing coverage of proponent, traditional owner and government client requirements. The firm regularly advises blue-chip corporates on the native title and cultural heritage aspects of their largest resources projects and Aboriginal groups on title claim and trustee issues. It has a strong track record advising government at state and Commonwealth levels on ensuring compliance with practice area legislation in regard to nationally significant infrastructure developments. The team is also noted for its thought leadership in the development of legislation, particularly in relation to the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act amendments. Key clients include Australian Rail Track, Transgrid and Western Cape Communities Trust.

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. Key clients include Energy Resources Australia, Glencore and Anglogold Ashanti.

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. It 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. Key clients include Rio Tinto and Stockland Australia.

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. Clients include OZ Minerals and Genesis Minerals.

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. Key clients include Novo Resources and Australian Executor Trustees.