EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
Martin has represented Local Governments, private landholders and organisations in native title determination applications under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) before the Federal Court since 2013, and has recently acted as a Delegate to the Registrar at the National Native Title Tribunal.
Martin regularly undertakes cultural heritage compliance assessments for local government specific projects, private organisations, and Aboriginal corporations to ensure compliance with the Cultural Heritage Duty of Care under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld) and the negotiation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans and Cultural Heritage Agreements where required.
Martin also assists Landholders and Mining Companies in native title claims, land tenure conversions and tenure upgrades and securing mining tenements from the State including the negotiation of Landholder compensation agreements for Mining Leases, Conduct and Compensation agreements for Exploration Permits and Notifiable Road Use Agreements.
Martin completed major reviews and implementation of Local Laws for several local governments in Queensland and provides ongoing advice to local government on amendments to, and enforcement of, its local laws, and other Local Government Acts.
He has acted in numerous matters in courts and tribunals that provides a balanced and varied base of expertise and experience, regardless of the simplicity or complexity of a matter.
Martin’s focus is providing the best possible outcome for his clients in all areas of his practice and is valued by his local government clients for providing clear, solution-focused advice on all issues.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Obtaining freehold title for a client through a claim of adverse possession under the Land Title Act 1994.
Completing a full review, re-draft and adoption of local laws for four Queensland Local governments and providing ongoing advice regarding local laws enforcement.
Acting for various local governments, private companies, and individuals in several Native Title determinations, including
- Congoo on behalf of the Bar Barrum People #9 v State of Queensland [2017] FCA 1510
- Kynuna on behalf of the Bar Barrum People #5 v State of Queensland [2016] FCA 1504
- Congoo on behalf of the Bar Barrum People #4 v State of Queensland [2016] FCA 695
- Ryan (Snr) on behalf of the Warrgamay People v State of Queensland [2021] FCA 977
- Ross on behalf of the Cape York United #1 Claim Group v State of Queensland (No 2) (Kuuku Ya’u determination) [2021] FCA 1464
- Anderson on behalf of the Northern Cape York #3 Native Title Claim Group v State of Queensland [2017] FCA 830
- Wuthathi People #2 v State of Queensland [2015] FCA 380
Advising Douglas Shire Council on native title and Aboriginal cultural heritage considerations in relation to the construction of Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail.
Acting for a Registered Native Title Body Corporate in the negotiation of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Agreement regarding the CopperString Project, a major electrical transmission line project.