There was substantial evidence that these deaths were the result of misconduct and foul play by the authorities. However, no charges were laid and the result was some 339 Recommendation. This notion is what the Wastelands Act was based on. For the first time, common law rights of Australia's indigenous peoples over land were recognised. The name refers to the late Eddie Mabo, from the Murray Islands off Queensland, who fought in the courts for 10 years for these rights, and died before this historic decision was handed down.
Native title is extinguished by valid grants of land to non-indigenous people.
As mentioned, this just confirms what has been in place in South Australia, since 1851. The name refers to the Wik Peoples from Queensland. The report called for a formal apology to Aboriginal people and compensation to support communities to heal - The apology from the Prime Minister never came. The government refused to accept the amendments to the Bill, paving the way for a double-dissolution election. From the turn of the century until the 1960's, government policy on Aboriginal affairs went through a number of distinct shifts in orientation.