Summary

4.1          This chapter sets out the legal requirements to establish native title rights and interests. It outlines the definition of native title in s 223 of the Native Title Act and sets out major judicial statements on its interpretation. The chapter then discusses problems in relation to proof of native title and considers whether a presumption of continuity should be introduced. The ALRC does not propose that there be a presumption of continuity. Instead, it proposes a number of amendments to the definition of native title to address the technicality and complexity of establishing native title rights and interests. These proposals are made in later chapters of this paper.