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The Native Title Settlement Framework

The Victorian Native Title Settlement Framework is a new approach to settling native title claims and addressing the land aspirations of Victorian Traditional Owner groups. It seeks out-of-court settlements of native title through direct negotiations between the State and Traditional Owner groups.

Still under development, the Framework will provide an alternative to pursuing native title through the Federal Court process. The Framework will set the parameters for a “non-native title” agreement whereby the State recognises a Traditional Owner group alongside a package of benefits, in return for their agreement to withdraw their native title claim(s) and/or not lodge one in the future.

The Framework will seek to meet Traditional Owners’ aspirations for land justice without the need to pursue a native title determination through the courts. It will deliver certainty and finality for the State through the expedited resolution of claims, will build stronger partnerships between Government and Traditional Owner groups, facilitate better management of Crown land, and deliver on Government policies.