

The hearing was adjourned when Eddie Mabo and the people of Mer brought a second case to the High Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Queensland Coast Islands Declaratory Act 1985. The Supreme Court judge hearing the case was Justice Moynihan. On 27 February 1986, the Chief Justice, Sir Harry Gibbs, sent the case to the Supreme Court of Queensland to hear and determine the facts of the claim. AIATSIS Central Australia We’re opening a new facility in Mparntwe/Alice Springs in partnership with First Nations Media Australia.Ngurra Ngurra: The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Precinct will be nationally significant in speaking to the central place that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples hold in Australia’s story.Work with us We recognise that our staff and volunteers are our most valuable asset.


What we do We tell the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australia and create opportunities for people to encounter, engage and be transformed by that story.Join our strong and growing membership and support our foundation. Connect with us We invite you to connect with us on social media.Guides and resources We have produced a range of resources, databases, indexes, finding aids and reading lists to help you with your research and to find information in our Collection.Research publications We produce a range of publications and other resources derived from our research.Native title research and access service The Native Title Research and Access Service is your first stop for information about the native title resources in the AIATSIS collection.Indigenous Research Exchange We improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by ensuring there is more involvement and agency in research projects.Ethical research We provide leadership in ethics and protocols for research related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and collections.Current projects Our research contributes to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and has a direct benefit to the communities we work with.“You get more of the same, if you do more of the same.” From, Being Respected While Making Unpopular Decisions.AIATSIS holds the worlds largest collection dedicated to AustralianĪboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories. “If you’re perfectly clear, you haven’t adequately considered the path forward.” From, Making Decisions When the Path is Uncertain and Confusing. Always seek the best interest of those you serve.Don’t project or protect the illusion that you have all the answers.

