Native Title Amendment Act 1998 - The "10 Point Plan"

The "10 Point Plan"

The ten points were as follows:

1. The National Native Title Tribunal holds absolute authority over claims for Native Title
2. State governments are empowered to extinguish Native Title over crown lands for matters of 'national interest'
3. Lands providing public amenities are exempt from Native Title claims
4. Mining and pastoral leases are allowed to co-exist with Native Title
5. The National Native Title Tribunal can create access to traditional lands rather than granting full Native Title
6. A registration test is imposed on all claimants
7. The right to claim Native Title in or around urban areas is removed
8. Government is permitted to manage land, water, and air issues in any site
9. Very strict time limits will be placed on all claims
10. Indigenous Land Use Agreements with be created to promote co-existence

The legislation was opposed by the Australian Labor Party and the Australian Democrats. The final legislation was amended to gain the support of Independent Senator Brian Harradine, whose vote was required for the bill to pass.