ATNS - Agreements, Treaties and Negotiated Settlements project

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Arrangement between the Queensland Government, Queensland Mining Council and the Queensland Indigenous Working Group
Date:	1 July 2003
Sub Category:	Framework Agreement \| Memorandum of Understanding
Place:
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State/Country:	Queensland, Australia
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Alternative Names:	Memorandum of Understanding between Queensland Government, Queensland Resources Council and the Queensland Indigenous Working Group
Subject Matter:	Cultural Heritage \| Mining and Minerals \| Native Title \| Recognition of Traditional Rights and Interests
Summary Information:
An arrangement between the Queensland Government, Queensland Mining Council and the Queensland Indigenous Working Group was set in place for 1 July 2003 when Queensland adopted the process under the Commonwealth native title legislation to deal with proposed exploration and mining on land subject to a native title claim. Under the arrangement, applicants for exploration permits will have the option of adhering to a template set of conditions which protect the cultural heritage of Indigenous groups with native title claims over land. In return, when the State Government uses the expedited procedure for processing a permit application, native title representative bodies will agree not to support any objections that native title claimant groups may lodge with the National Native Title Tribunal. This will allow for faster processing of mineral exploration permits while ensuring that cultural heritage and values are protected. In May 2005, the parties reviewed their arrangement (Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)). The parties agreed to continue their arrangement, with two additional conditions. These are: '1) the MoU explicitly allows for discussions relating to indigenous economic opportunities in those circumstances where a joint position may be appropriate; and 2) that Queensland Indigenous Working Group will contribute to the development of the indigenous component of Queensland Resource Council's education program' (Susan Johnston, QRC CEO).