28 years since Australia's historic Mabo decision, 'there is a lot of unfinished business'

It has been 28 years since the Mabo decision recognised Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have rights to the land, but while the government says more and more claims are being finalised, some Indigenous groups say there is a long way to go.

Eddie Mabo walking with his team of lawyers in his case, which saw the High Court overturn the legal doctrine of terra nullius. Source: NITV

As Mabo Day is marked around the country on Wednesday, some say progress towards reconciliation between Australia’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples has stalled over the past 28 years.

The day commemorates Torres Strait Islander Eddie Koiki Mabo and his role in the High Court decision on 3 June 1992 which overturned the terra nullius declaration - that Australia was once land belonging to no-one. It allowed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to have rights to their land.

Eddie Mabo.

SBS

 

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