Mabo Decision Flashcards
When did Mabo decision held?
3 June 1992
What is Mabo decision?
It is a decision held by Eddie Mabo to fight for recognition of the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the owners of their land.
Who is Eddie Mabo?
He is a Torres Strait Islander who believed Australian laws were wrong and fought to change them.
He believes Australia is owned by the Torres Strait Islander people
Why was the case so important?
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples occupied Australia for 40,000 to 60,000 years before British arrived. They believe that they have unique connection with the land but were not recognised. British took the land without agreement or payment.
What was the result?
Mabo case ran for 10 years. Terra nullius should not have been applied to Australia.
Torres Straight Islander peoples have the rights to the land.
What is terra nullius?
empty land or land belongs to nobody.
