The Australian Law Reform Commission (ALRC) is conducting an inquiry (the Inquiry) into the ‘future acts regime’— a key aspect of native title law.
This Inquiry will seek to understand and improve the processes around permissions for people doing things that affect native title. In native title law, the ‘future acts regime’ refers to when people need permission to do things, the types of things that can be done, and how to ask for permission.
The Inquiry will look into how the regime works and how it can be improved to make it more effective, equal and fair.
The voice of First Nations people is critical to this Inquiry. The ALRC acknowledges that First Nations people own their knowledge and stories about Country and culture.
There are three ways for First Nations people to share their knowledge and opinions.
- Consultations and Meetings
ALRC will be holding a number of consultations and meetings designed to gather First Nations
people’s input. Over the coming weeks, ALRC will announce when and where these consultations
will take place. - Formal Submissions
In 2025, there will be a formal call for submissions where anyone can submit their thoughts and
ideas about the ‘future acts regime’. During this period, First Nations people will be invited to
prepare and submit insights. - Direct Contact
First Nations people will also be invited to share their stories, ideas or concerns at any times in
writing, drawings, audio, or video.
These can be shared via email, mail or call:
- Phone: 0456 972 868
- Email: [email protected]
- Mail: PO Box 209, Flinders Lane VIC 8009
Timeline and next steps
- Late 2024 – ALRC will release a paper with more detailed information about the Inquiry.
- 2024-2025 – Consultations and meetings will be held.
- 2025 – ALRC will release another paper including ideas for improving the future acts regime. This
will be an opportunity to share your feedback on these ideas. - 8 December 2025 – ALRC will give the final report to the Federal Government.
Stay Updated
To stay informed about the Inquiry’s progress and participation opportunities, subscribe to email updates. Your knowledge and stories are valuable, and your input can make a difference. We encourage you to engage in this process and help shape the future of native title law.