18 MABO DAY
THURSDAY 8 JUNE 2023 TORRES NEWS
Historic Mabo decision confirmed Native Title On 3 June 1992, the High Court of Australia made a decision that changed the history of Australia. The decision put the Torres Strait Region and Murray Island (Mer) on the map for the rest of the country and the world. Many Australians had never heard about Mer or
the Torres Strait before. Overnight Mer was in the spotlight, with newspapers, radio and TV stations all over Australia and overseas reporting on the iconic victory of a group of Meriam People who had the passion and strength to fight the government all the way to the highest court in the country… And win!
Why is the Mabo Decision so important for Australia? The High Court not only acknowledged the traditional rights of the Meriam People, but it also introduced the concept of Native Title into the Australian legal system for all First Nations Australians. The High Court found
that Australia was not terra nullius when James Cook claimed it for the British Crown in 1770 after he climbed the summit of Possession Island in the Endeavour Strait. Because of the Mabo Decision, First Nations Peoples’ laws and customs are able to be recognised across all of Australia.
The decision led the Australian Government to create the Native Title Act 1993. Since the law began to operate in 1994, Native Title has been recognised by the Federal Court over almost 45 per cent of Australia’s land mass. And in the Torres Strait Region, over almost every
Native Title booklet launched To mark the 31st anniversary of the Mabo decision by Australia’s highest court, Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council (GBK) has launched a booklet about Native Title that will be of interest to all First Nations People in Zenadth Kes. “The Native Title Story of the Torres Strait Region explains how Native Title was recognised in the Torres and Endeavours Straits Region and what this recognition means for Native Title holders and those dealing with them,” GBK chair Lui Ned David said. “It also explains the role of Prescribed Bodies Corporate - or PBCs as they are commonly known - in managing the rights on behalf of the Native Title Holders and how GBK as the Native Title Service Provider supports PBCs and Native Title Holders.
“The 28-page booklet is also a source of information for anyone who wants to learn more about Native Title – a legal concept that has its origin in the Torres Strait.” GBK provides Native Title services to Native Title holders, Native Title claimants and PBCs. All 21 PBCs within the five nation groups of the region – Kemer Kemer Meriam, Gudamaluialgal, Maluilgal, Kulkalgal and Kaiwalagal – are members of GBK. Torres Strait and Aboriginal Land trusts are also eligible to become members. You can download a copy of the native title booklet from GBK’s website at www.gbk.org.au or pick up a copy from GBK’s office on Level 1, 82 Douglas Street, right above Col Jones.
NPA marks Mabo Day with a march A welcome from MC Pastor Wagel Tapau greeted Mabo Day marchers in the New Mapoon community on Friday last week. Apostel Tim Tamwoy offered an opening prayer
Fraser Nai studying GBK’s new booklet on Native Title. Pic supplied.
Mount Gambier, SA celebrates Mabo Day BY CHARLOTTE VARCOE With thanks to The Border Watch (Mount Gambier)
Community members came together at Mount Gambier City Hall last week to celebrate Mabo Day. The morning tea also recognised Mount Gambier/Berrin Torres Strait Islander elder Uncle Jack Sailor. Speaking with The Border Watch, Uncle Jack recalled working alongside Eddie Koiki Mabo himself in the railway industry. Uncle Jack said Mr Mabo was “alright, cheeky, funny and an
everyday person” and did not realise he was going to end up the face of Native Title. “I didn’t know there was going to end up being an Eddie Mabo day because to me he was just an ordinary guy,” Uncle Jack said. “I knew him as an everyday person.” Originally from Queensland, Uncle Jack moved to the South East around the 60s and worked on the Victoria railways. He said he was happy people were recognising the work Mr Mabo did and that reconciliation was good for the future.
“I am happy people are starting to move forward and I remember when the police came to me with a piece of paper that said I was a free man,” Uncle Jack said. “I hope we have a good future, we have had our time but everything changes when you grow older.” https://borderwatch.com.au/ news/2023/06/05/mabo-daycelebrated/
RIGHT: First Nations elder Uncle Jack Sailor celebrates Mabo Day with his great-great granddaughter Miley & his greatgranddaughter Kaitlyn Steed.
followed by a welcome to country and guest speaker Gebie Bon were on the agenda for the day, along with cultural activities and lunch. Pics thanks to NPARC.
island and most of our sea country. When all claims have been resolved, it is expected that 60 per cent of Australia’s land will be covered by Native Title rights. That is almost two thirds of the continent. Source: The Native Title Story of the Torres Strait Region, launched by GBK on 30 May.
