Blucher on behalf of the Gaangalu Nation People v State of Queensland (No 3) [2023] FCA 600

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA Blucher on behalf of the Gaangalu Nation People v State of Queensland (No 3) [2023] FCA 600 Related matter: Blucher on behalf of the Gaangalu Nation People v State of Queensland [2018] FCA 1369

File number: QUD 33 of 2019

Judgment of: RANGIAH J

Date of judgment: 15 June 2023

Catchwords: NATIVE TITLE – determination of separate questions – whether native title exists in the claim area – whether claim group held rights and interests in the claim area at sovereignty – whether claim group were part of a regional society at sovereignty – whether there has been continued observance of pre-sovereignty laws and customs – whether there is continuing connection with land or waters by traditional laws and customs – whether regional society continues to exist – native title found not to exist – recommendation for law reform

Legislation: Evidence Act 1995 (Cth) s 140(1) Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) ss 13, 61, 223 and 225 Aboriginals Protection and Restriction of the Sale of Opium Act 1897 (Qld)

Cases cited: Akiba on behalf of the Torres Strait Islanders of the Regional Seas Claim Group v State of Queensland (No 2) (2010) 204 FCR 1; [2010] FCA 643 Alyawarr, Kaytetye, Warumungu, Wakay Native Title Claim Group v Northern Territory of Australia (2003) 207 ALR 539; [2004] FCA 472 Ashwin on behalf of the Wutha People v State of Western Australia (No 4) (2019) 369 ALR 1 Blackman on behalf of the Bailai, Gurang, Gooreng Gooreng, Taribelang Bunda People v State of Queensland (No 3) [2017] FCA 1637 Bodney v Bennell (2008) 167 FCR 84; [2008] FCAFC 63 Brodie v Singleton Shire Council (2001) 206 CLR 512; [2001] HCA 29 Commonwealth v Yarmirr (2001) 208 CLR 1; [2001] HCA 56 Croft on behalf of the Barngarla Native Title Claim Group v State of South Australia (2015) 325 ALR 213; [2015] FCA 9 Daniel (on behalf of the Ngarluma People) v State of Western Australia [2003] FCA 666 De Rose v South Australia (No 2) (2005) 145 FCR 290; [2005] FCAFC 110 Drill on behalf of the Purnululu Native Title Claim Group v State of Western Australia [2020] FCA 1510 Fortescue Metals Group v Warrie on behalf of the Yindjibarndi People (2019) 273 FCR 350; [2019] FCAFC 177 G v H (1994) 181 CLR 387; [1994] HCA 48 Gumana v Northern Territory of Australia (2005) 141 FCR 457; [2005] FCA 50 Harrington-Smith on behalf of the Wongatha People v State of Western Australia (No 9) (2007) 238 ALR 1; [2007] FCA 31 Hatfield on behalf of Darumbul People v State of Queensland (No 3) [2016] FCA 723 Jango v Northern Territory of Australia (2006) 152 FCR 150; [2006] FCA 318 Jones v Dunkel (1959) 101 CLR 298 Lovett on behalf of the Gunditjmara People v State of Victoria [2007] FCA 474 Mabo v Queensland (No 2) (1992) 175 CLR 1; [1992] HCA 23 Malone on behalf of the Western Kangoulu People v State of Queensland [2021] FCAFC 176 Malone v State of Queensland (The Clermont-Belyando Area Native Title Claim) (No 5) (2021) 397 ALR 397; [2021] FCA 1639 Members of the Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Community v Victoria; (2002) 214 CLR 422; [2002] HCA 58 Munn for and on behalf of the Gungarri People v State of Queensland (2001) 115 FCR 109; [2001] FCA 1229 Narrier v State of Western Australia [2016] FCA 1519 Neowarra v State of Western Australia [2003] FCA 1402 Northern Territory v Alyawarr, Kaytetye, Warumungu, Wakaya Native Title Claim Group (2005) 145 FCR 442; [2005] FCAFC 135 Risk v Northern Territory of Australia (2007) 240 ALR 75; [2007] FCAFC 46 Risk v Northern Territory of Australia [2006] FCA 404 Rita Augustine v State of Western Australia [2013] FCA 338 Sampi (on behalf of the Bardi and Jawi People) v Western Australia (2010) 266 ALR 537; [2010] FCAFC 26 Sampi v Western Australia [2005] FCA 777 Sandy on behalf of the Yugara People v State of Queensland (No 2) (2015) 325 ALR 583; [2015] FCA 15 Smirke on behalf of the Jurruru People v State of Western Australia (No 2) [2020] FCA 1728 Starkey on behalf of the Kokatha People v State of South Australia (2018) 261 FCR 183; [2018] FCAFC 36 State of Western Australia v Willis on behalf of the Pilki People (2015) 239 FCR 175; [2015] FCAFC 186 Western Australia v Sebastian (2008) 173 FCR 1; [2008] FCAFC 65 Western Australia v Ward (2000) 99 FCR 316; [2000] FCA 191 Western Australia v Ward (2002) 213 CLR 1; [2002] HCA 28 Wyman on behalf of the Bidjara People v Queensland (No 2) [2013] FCA 1229 Wyman v Queensland (2015) 235 FCR 464; [2015] FCAFC 108 Yanner v Eaton (1999) 201 CLR 351; [1999] HCA 53