Native Title
We offer training, professional development, internships, scholarships and other services for Native Title Representative Bodies and Native Title Service Providers (NTRBs) as well as programs for Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs).
Native title in Australia
The High Court Mabo case in 1992 ruled in favour of a claim to Murray Island by the Meriam people. For the first time, Australian courts accepted that traditional law and custom could be a basis for claiming land ownership by Indigenous people. The Native Title Act 1993 (NTA) established the procedure for making native title claims.
Training and professional development
Aurora offers training and professional development programs specifically tailored to meet the needs of both new and experienced staff working NTRBs. More recently, PBC representatives are also able to attend selected programs.
Aurora internships
The internship program aims to support under-resourced host organisations by introducing anthropology, law, and social science students and graduates to career opportunities in native title, policy development, social justice and Indigenous affairs more generally.
NTRB scholarship program
Each year scholarships are available for NTRB staff and other graduates to undertake postgraduate study in Australia or overseas.
The Australian Government – Rio Tinto NTRB Scholarships are available for lawyers to study mineral law and policy at the University of Dundee, Scotland.
The Native Title Research Scholarship Program launched in 2010, funds research staff employed at NTRBs or have worked in the system for at least two years, to undertake postgraduate studies at an Australian university.
NTRB resources
Aurora supports NTRBs by providing a range of resources and services to assist individual staff members and NTRBs at an organisational level. Resources and services include free access to Lawlex, the NTRB Community website, arranging executive coaches, along with a performance management tool, staff handbook and access to insurance.
PBC resources
Aurora has developed a range of materials to specifically support PBCs in managing their native title. These materials were developed as a result of two pilot programs held in 2012 . They are freely available to all PBCs and may be distributed as necessary.
Career Pathways
Career pathways for Indigenous staff at NTRBs provides access to information about pathways to undergraduate study in areas related to native title including law, anthropology, archaeology, cultural heritage and environmental management.
Paid placements
Part-time, locum and full-time paid placement opportunities are available through Aurora.