Ann: Ord Minnett Conference Presentation, page-18

Native title holders have no veto right

Native title recognises that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have rights to areas of land and sea, but does not provide ownership in the same way as the Land Rights Act.

In the case of a gas development on land covered by native title, this means the native title holders must be consulted, and an agreement reached between the gas company, the NT government and the native title holders before activity can start.

"If an agreement cannot be reached within [six months], any party negotiating can make an application to the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT) for the matter to be arbitrated," the Pepper inquiry's final report said.

The tribunal will then make an arbitration as to whether the activity is allowed or not.

In a recent case in New South Wales, the NNTT ruled a gas company could go ahead with its plans, despite the objections of the Gomeroi people.