Native Title Representative Bodies: The challenge of strategic planning

This discussion paper is the result of empirical research. The argument is driven by the question of what constitutes appropriate and practical Native Title Representative Body (NTRB) responses to the proposed amendments where legislation is expected to focus on organisational structure, administrative and financial processes and policy procedures. All NTRBs will be affected by the scale of the proposed administrative changes as issues of control, representation and accountability are common operational concerns across the board. However, material from the case study suggests the amendments are more likely to impact significantly on the capacity of smaller regional organisations to respond effectively. The wider administrative emphasis given to concern with control, representation and accountability are discussed with reference to how at least one NTRB can develop responses which are both practical and realistic in policy terms