Examine how existing native title determinations can shape adjoining claims, including their evidentiary weight, limitations and key lessons from the case law. Navigate the post-determination challenges facing PBCs. Unpack proposed reforms to the future acts regime and what they could mean for native title nationally and explore the emerging use of AI technologies in native title litigation, including the opportunities, risks and practical lessons for practitioners. Gain valuable insights into the evolving legal, governance and technological landscape and what these developments mean for the way native title matters are prepared, managed and litigated.

Presenters

Sarah McBratney, Principal Lawyer, Jigsaw Legal
Sarah founded Jigsaw Legal in 2024 after 18 years of practice in native title, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage, resources and government law. She has held senior positions in a national law firm, an energy company, the National Native Title Tribunal, and led the dedicated Native Title and Resources team at Crown Law, legal advisors to the Queensland government, from 2018 to 2024. Sarah has a straight forward communication style and strives to make sure her clients really understand her advice. She enjoys providing ‘Native Title 101’ workshops as well as training on the Queensland cultural heritage legislation. Her training style is relaxed and accessible; it has been described as more like listening to a podcast than a seminar. Sarah is a frequent presenter at industry and legal events.

Rainer Mora Mathews, Principal Lawyer, First Nations Legal & Research Services
Rainer joined First Nations Legal and Research Services in November 2019, having worked as a native title lawyer in different parts of Australia since 2006. He has always felt it is a great privilege to do this work, and along the way has met many extraordinary and inspiring people while out on Country.  Day to day, Rainer seeks to empower First Nations people with high quality advice, to be guided by them on how to best assist them on their long paths to self-determination. He is committed to being a healing and trauma informed lawyer and believes in creative and reflexive legal practice.


Tina Jowett SC, 6 Windeyer Chambers and Francis Burt Chambers
Tina Jowett SC has been briefed in numerous native title trials, appeals and advice work for over 20 years. Tina is ranked as a recommended senior counsel in Doyle’s Guide and as a Band 2 senior counsel in the Chambers and Partners rankings. Tina has appeared in important native title determination trials and appeals that include Fortescue Metals Group v Warrie on behalf of the Yindjibarndi People (2019) 273 FCR 350; CG (Deceased) on behalf of the Badimia People v State of Western Australia (2016) 240 FCR 466; Banjima People v State of Western Australia (2015) 231 FCR 456; Blackburn v Wagonga Local Aboriginal Land Council (2021) 287 FCR 1; Wyman on behalf of the Bidjara People v State of Queensland (2015) 235 FCR 464; Stuart v South Australia [2023] FCAFC 131; Mace v State of Queensland (2019) 274 FCR 41; and Bodney v Bennell (2008)167 FCR 84. She has appeared for, or has advised, most Australian Native Title Representative Bodies, a number of government parties and mining proponents, and has been briefed to appear in all States and Territories. Tina also appears before the High Court in native title appeals. More recently, Tina has appeared and advised in compensation claims including the controversial Yindjibarndi Ngurra Aboriginal Corporation v State of Western Australia and Fortescue Metals Group trial. Tina’s expertise in native title issues is applied to her position as the General Editor of Australia’s only native title quarterly publication: LexisNexis’s Native Title News. She also regularly presents at Legalwise seminars and trains lawyers and anthropologists at the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies workshops. In 2009, Tina was recognised by the NSW Women’s Lawyers’ Association as their ‘Woman Lawyer Advocate of the Year’. She was also a member of the NSW Equal Opportunity Tribunal from 1993 to 2003.

Susan Phillips, Barrister, 13th Floor St James Hall
Susan Phillips is a barrister specialising in native title and land rights. She has published and worked in that field since the Mabo decision was handed down in 1992. Susan has been counsel to Indigenous people all over Australia representing them in the NNTT, Federal Court and in litigation, mediation and negotiations with local, State and Commonwealth governments and other parties. Susan also works on matters concerning Indigenous cultural heritage including by providing reports to the Federal Minister for the Environment where applications seeking protection of sites at risk of injury or desecration have been made.