Traditional owners and Aboriginal heritage

We hear and decide applications relating to traditional ownership.

Get an outcome

We review decisions made by government organisations about the use and development of land under the following traditional ownership legislation:

  • Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010
  • Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006
  • Native Title Act 1993

Apply for an enforcement order under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010

If you represent a traditional owner group and believe there is activity that is – or will be – in breach of a land use agreement under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010, you can apply to VCAT.

Cultural heritage management disputes

We can hear and determine disputes about the approval of Cultural Heritage Management Plans, a refusal to issue a Cultural Heritage Permit or the conditions contained in Cultural Heritage Permit or applications to review a Protection Declaration made under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

Compensation for native title

If you have objected under section 24MD(6B)(d) of the Native Title Act 1993(Cth) to a proposed compulsory acquisition of native title rights and interests you may be entitled to a determination and/or compensation.