Mabo Day

3 June

Mabo Day honours Eddie Koiki Mabo and marks the anniversary of the High Court's 1992 decision in Mabo v Queensland (No 2). The decision rejected the legal fiction of terra nullius and recognised that First Nations rights and interests in land could survive colonisation under Australian law.

The date is especially significant for Torres Strait Islander people and acknowledges Eddie Mabo's life, the other Meriam plaintiffs and the continuing importance of land rights, native title and connection to Country.

Ways to mark the date

• Learn about Eddie Koiki Mabo, the Meriam plaintiffs and Meriam people's long relationship with Mer.
• Explore what the decision changed, what native title means and the limits and continuing challenges of the legal framework.
• Centre Torres Strait Islander voices and local First Nations perspectives when planning learning or commemorative activities.

Sources and further reading

This section is under development. More information, sources and further reading will be added as this page grows.

• Australian Government, What is Mabo Day?
• AIATSIS, the Mabo case

Related products and resources

We are developing carefully selected products and learning resources for this date. This page will be updated as suitable items become available.