UNGA81 Third Committee: Australian statement at the Interactive Dialogue: Special Rapporteur on rights of Indigenous Peoples
Statement delivered by Ms. Senator Dorinda Cox on behalf of the Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations
12 October 2026
Thank you Chair.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for his report.
Australia recognises Indigenous Peoples’ longstanding connections to their traditional lands and waters, that is foundational to their cultural, spiritual, physical and economic wellbeing.
We note the report’s observations on the context of Indigenous Peoples’ land rights in Australia, including matters relating to native title recognition, compensation and future act processes. Approximately 58 per cent of Australia’s land mass is subject to First Nations legal rights or interests.
Australia has specific targets under its National Agreement on Closing the Gap to increase First Nations communities’ benefits from their lands and waters.
Target 15a commits to a 15 per cent increase in First Nations people’s legal rights and interests to land by 2030 and is on track to being met.
A similar commitment to sea in Target 15b was met ahead of schedule in 2022 and is expected to exceed this by 2030.
Australia is committed to supporting Indigenous Peoples and communities on land and water rights, including economic opportunities arising from their rights and interests.
Rapporteur - what are some other examples of addressing barriers to these economic opportunities?