About Us

History and Achievements

History of a Native Title Service in SA

The Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc (ALRM) was the native title representative body (NTRB) for greater South Australia from July 2000 to June 2008 (and prior to that since 1994 for all of South Australia with the exception of Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara and Maralinga Tjarutja lands). Within ALRM, the Native Title Unit (NTU) was responsible for the carrying out the NTRB functions. The NTU operated largely independently of the non-native title functions of ALRM,  but remained under the direction of ALRM’s Board and Chief Executive Officer. The NTU had a separate Executive Officer in Parry Agius who presided over the Unit's establishment, growth and strategic directions.

The establshment of a single, stand alone entity to deliver native title services had been discussed between ALRM, NTU, Congress and the Commonwealth for a number of years. In November 2006, a joint meeting was held where Congress and ALRM agreed that separation of native title services from ALRM to form a separate legal entity would best serve the interests of all stakeholders. In February 2007, ALRM advised the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) that it would relinquish its NTRB status, requesting a one year recognition period to 30 June 2008 as the NTRB for South Australia. It was agreed that native title services were to be provided by a new corporate body which could be funded under Section 203FE of the Native Title Act 1993. FaHCSIA agreed to fund the establishment of this new body South Australian Native Title Services Limited (SANTS).

Acumen Alliance was appointed by FaHCSIA to register a new organisation which will be eligible for funding as a Native Title Service Provider (NTSP) for South Australia. Specifically under the Terms of Reference set down by FaHCSIA, Acumen Alliance was to establish a body to be funded under Subsection 203FE(1) of the Native Title Act (a Native Title Service Provider or NTSP) to perform the function of an NTSP in the Region. The separation was completed on 1 July 2008, when the new entity SANTS commenced operations.

Achievements

SANTS is a national leader in pursuing negotiated native title outcomes. Through the SANTR process, we have assisted native title claim groups to negotiate Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) which provide an array of benefits and give recognition to the rights and interests of native title groups. Alongside the negotiation of ILUAs, SANTS have also worked closely with the State Government to agree on and implement a consent determination process to provide for the formal recognition of native title by the Courts.

Through our ILUAs and consent determination programs, we have contributed to the following outcomes for native title groups: 

Native Title Determinations

  • Adnyamathanha People No. 2
  • Adnyamathanha People No. 1 (Angepena Pastoral Lease)
  • Adnyamathanha People No. 1 (Stage 1)
  • Eringa Part A Proceeding
  • Wangkangurru/Yarluyandi Part A Proceeding
  • Irrwanyere Mt Dare Native Title Determination
  • Yankunytjatjara/Antakirinja
  • De Rose Hill (litigated)

Registered ILUAs

  • 30 Pastoral ILUAs
  • 4 Minerals Exploration ILUAs
  • 1 Petroleum Conjunctive ILUA
  • 2 Outback Township ILUAs
  • 1 Local Government
  • 4 National Park ILUA
  • 1 Fishing ILUA
  • 2 Development ILUAs (Future Act)

SANTS have also assisted native title groups in the negotiation of other native title agreements including under Part 9B of the Mining Act 1971 (SA).