On 3 February 2021, the Australian Government passed the Native Title Legislation Amendment Act 2021. This Amendment Act makes changes to the Native Title Act 1993 and the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006. The Government also made changes that affect Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) in the Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate Legislation Amendment Regulations 2021 to support the Amendment Act.

The amendments fall into three broad categories:

• Measures that streamline PBC decision-making;
• Measures that increase the transparency and accountability of PBCs to common law holders; and
• Measures that assist with the management and resolution of post-determination disputes.

PBCs are required to amend their rule books to reflect the changes to the law. The starting date for these changes is 25 March 2021, and PBCs have two years to amend their rule books.

For more information please go to Changes to Native Title legislation affecting Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs).