Performance reviews of native title representative bodies and services providers

These reports summarise the findings of a series of independent reviews of the individual and comparative performance of organisations performing representative body functions under the Native Title Act 1993.  Representative body functions include assisting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to research and progress native title claims, negotiate land-use agreements, resolve native title disputes and establish corporations to manage native title following successful native title claims. The reviews were undertaken by Nous Group between May 2017 and March 2021.

The individual performance reports summarise key review findings and reproduce detailed recommendations directed to each organisation along with the organisation’s response. The comparative performance report examines the spread of performance across the sector while also making some broader contextual findings regarding the policy environment in which the organisations operate.

Nous used a consistent methodology for all reviews to support a comparative and transparent assessment of the organisations. The methodology used a mixed method approach including quantitative data on the progress of native title claims and agreements, performance against funding-agreement milestones, budgetary performance, staffing, and broader social and geographical factors that impact performance. The quantitative analysis was complemented by interviews with a range of organisational stakeholders.