PBC forum and compensation workshop

Conversations, information, compensation and education

Policy and law reform, challenges faced by Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) and compensation for native title groups and PBCs were at the heart of discussions during a two-day regional forum and workshop at the end of July.

Held in Gwoonwardu / Carnarvon on Yinggarda Country, the event was presented by the National Native Title Council (NNTC) in conjunction with YMAC and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA). The forum highlighted the NNTC’s work in PBC policy and development, enabling PBC representatives to hear about current native title programs and policy from government and how they could collaborate on grants and developmental opportunities. Several presenters from government agencies attended, including NIAA Land Branch Director Rachel Kerrigan, Luke Wenitong from the Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal Corporations newly formed Native Title unit, several representatives from WA’s Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Shire of Carnarvon. Day two concluded with a discussion among PBC representatives and YMAC staff, extending the conversation about education and information needs to PBCs in YMAC’s representative regions. Following the two-day forum, a compensation workshop provided information on the Timber Creek High Court decision, explaining how compensation could be valued and calculated where native title rights have been compromised by the government. Details were also provided on: • different options native title holders may have in getting native title compensation • the assistance and resources required • what people can do to prepare a compensation claim or start settlement negotiations. After the forum and workshop, a report was prepared by the NNTC for participants featuring copies of the presentations given, available at tinyurl.com/PBCforum .

Guests gather for discussion at the PBC forum. Picture: Tash Gillespie