Friday, 14 November 2025
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD unit in Substantive Law
This program is applicable to practitioners from all States & Territories
Chair
Dominic McGann, Partner, McCullough Robertson
What Have Proponents of Projects Learned About Negotiating Native Title Access Since Mabo?
After Mabo, native title law became very rapidly complex, not to say impenetrable to the average person. People working for proponents stepped in the 90s into uncharted territory, literally and metaphorically. Deals were rudimentary and there was much in the way of national and regional politics that affected some projects, particularly the big projects.
But now, new proponents in the form of renewables companies (particularly) have brought a different tone and tenor to discussions. How did this transition occur and why? State politics has recently affected this sector (at least in Qld) but that is probably more about holders of ordinary title. So what did renewables companies know already, or what have they learned, that makes a difference to the outcomes for the native title holders?
Presented by Dr Jonathan Fulcher, Consultant, King and Wood Mallesons; Leading Native Title Lawyer (Project Proponent Representation) Doyle’s Guide 2025
Presenters
Dr Jonathan Fulcher, Consultant, King and Wood MallesonsJonathan is a Consultant at King and Wood Mallesons in Brisbane. He works on fossil fuel and renewables project in about equal measure. Jonathan has degrees in Arts, Law and a PhD from the University of Cambridge in History. He has been recognised by his peers in Who’s Who for lawyers, Best Lawyers for resources, oil and gas and native title, Doyle’s Guide for Native title and Chambers Global since the early 2000s.
Dominic McGann, Partner, McCullough Robertson
Dominic McGann is a general commercial lawyer, and is a recognised natural resources expert with over 40 years’ experience. As an element of his practice, Dominic is an acknowledged authority on native title and cultural heritage matters. Prior to joining McCullough Robertson, he held prominent positions with the Queensland Government and is one of only a few lawyers with a combination of significant senior government experience as well as private practice experience. In his current practice in the resources, native title and cultural heritage areas, it draws on his mining, infrastructure, government and commercial legal skills (including land tenure issues, native title, cultural heritage, safety, environmental compliance, infrastructure delivery and contract performance). He has experience in the following sectors: public sector, mining, water, statutory authorities, Indigenous communities, transport, energy, and agribusiness. Dominic has acted for a range of Traditional Owners, public and private entities, State Government and Local Government agencies, as well as various entities in the carbon, agricultural and pastoral sectors.
