Anniversary of the Wakka Wakka Native Title Determination

12 April

On 12 April 2022, the Federal Court made a consent determination recognising Wakka Wakka native title in the area specified in Bell on behalf of the Wakka Wakka People #3 (No 2) v State of Queensland. The anniversary honours Wakka Wakka people and the work that led to this outcome.

The decision and the date

The National Native Title Register records 12 April 2022 as both the determination date and date of effect. The claim register separately notes registration on 19 April 2022.

This calendar uses the date the Court made the determination. It does not substitute the registration date or the following day’s news reports for the actual decision date.

Understanding the scope

The orders recognise exclusive rights in specified land areas and non-exclusive rights in others, including rights relating to access, ceremonies, resources, teaching and places of importance, subject to the terms of the determination.

The finding is about the defined determination area. The claim register records that an undetermined area remained within the broader application. This anniversary should therefore not be described as resolving every part of Wakka Wakka Country or every outstanding claim.

Recognition of existing rights

The Wakka Wakka Native Title Aboriginal Corporation explains that it was established to hold and look after the people’s recognised native title rights and interests.

The significance lies in legal recognition of rights arising from continuing laws and customs. The Court did not create Wakka Wakka identity or begin the community’s relationship with Country. Celebrating the outcome should keep the people, families and responsibilities behind it in view.

Persistence and continuing work

The anniversary can recognise the achievement and the work of those who pursued it, including Elders and families who supported the process. A determination is a milestone with meaning beyond a case citation.

Learning can also consider what follows recognition: governance, decisions about Country and respectful relationships with others. These continuing responsibilities deserve attention alongside the day of the Court’s orders.

Learning with care

Compare the determination date, registration date and broader application record. Ask why those distinctions matter when a short public summary says a claim has been won.

Use the Corporation’s public information and official records with attribution. Avoid publishing family details or restricted knowledge simply because legal material is accessible online. For local engagement, seek guidance from the appropriate Wakka Wakka representatives and do not expect an individual student or colleague to represent everyone.

Sources and further reading

Read the official record alongside publicly available material from the relevant community or native title body. Historical records may include names of people who have died.

Online sources

National Native Title Register: QCD2022/003. National Native Title Tribunal. Court date, effect and the recognised rights.
https://api.nntt.gov.au/api/Attachments/searchRegApps/NativeTitleRegisters/NNTR%20Extracts/QCD2022_003/NNTRExtract_QCD2022_003.pdf

Register of Native Title Claims: QC2016/003. National Native Title Tribunal. Distinguishes the determined and undetermined portions and the registration date.
https://api.nntt.gov.au/api/Attachments/searchRegApps/NativeTitleRegisters/RNTC%20Extracts/QC2016_003/RNTCExtract_QC2016_003.pdf

Wakka Wakka Native Title Aboriginal Corporation. Wakka Wakka NTAC. Community body responsible for holding and looking after recognised rights.
https://www.wakkawakka.com.au/

Our related products and resources

We do not currently offer products or learning resources specifically for this anniversary. The reading links above are provided for background and further learning. Suitable items from our range will be added here as they become available.