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How The Mabo Decision Changed Aboriginal Rights And Freedoms For The Better?

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How The Mabo decision changed Aboriginal Rights and Freedoms for the Better?

On June 3rd 1992 The Mabo decision changed lives of Aboriginals all around Australia. It was the first time that Aboriginals where acknowledged as the traditional owners of the land, and their customs and traditions recognised. It also made improvement between the relationship of Aboriginals and Non-aboriginal people. The Mabo decision also led to the declaration of the Native Title Act in 1993. The Native Title Act is the recognition of Aboriginal’s having rights and interests in certain land because of their tradition laws and customs.

The Mabo decision challenged the Australian Legal system and fought for recognition of Aboriginals and Torres Strait islanders being the traditional owners of the land. The Mabo decision was a 10-year case and on the 3rd of June 1992 the High Court declared that the term ‘terra nullius’ should not have been applied to Australia when first discovered by Captain James Cook. The decision saw that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People have rights to the land, rights that existed before the British settlement took place. This decision acknowledged the Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander Peoples unique connection with the land and acknowledged their traditions and customs. Evidence that support this is Source 1, a newspaper article from The Age 1993. “It also ensures that Aboriginal title holders will have un-impeded access to pastoral leases for customary

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