logo
Indigenous leaders celebrate as court rejects appeal in landmark Yunupingu compensation case

Indigenous leaders celebrate as court rejects appeal in landmark Yunupingu compensation case

The Guardian12-03-2025

Traditional owners say justice has been served for their people as the high court dismissed a commonwealth appeal in a landmark compensation case.
The commonwealth lost the high court battle over whether it may be liable for up to $700m in compensation for bauxite mining at Gove in north-east Arnhem Land.
Gumatj leaders Djawa Yunupingu and Balupalu Yunupingu celebrated outside the high court on Wednesday after hearing the judgment against the commonwealth.
'Justice has been served for my people and the people of north-east Arnhem Land,' Djawa Yunupingu said.
Renowned land rights activist the late Gumatj leader Dr Yunupingu originally brought the case in 2019, alongside an application for native title on behalf of his clan.
Djawa Yunupingu emotionally acknowledged his late brother as the 'mastermind' behind the effort.
'He was the one who had the vision,' he said.
Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email
Gumatj lawyer Sean Bowden told reporters the decision was a 'victory for decency, common sense and the rule of law'.
'Today's decision validates the strength of belief in Aboriginal people, generally, not just in themselves but in their place in Australia,' he said.
In May 2023, the federal court found native title rights and interests are property, and the extinguishment is an acquisition, and therefore be made under 'just terms'.
It found the Gumatj clan's land was not acquired 'on just terms' before being leased to the Swiss-Australian mining consortium Nabalco in 1968.
In its decision on Wednesday, the high court upheld this decision.
'Native title recognises that, according to their laws and customs, Indigenous Australians have a connection with country,' the judgment read.
'It is a connection which existed and persisted before and beyond settlement, before and beyond the assertion of sovereignty and before and beyond Federation.
'It is older and deeper than the constitution.'
Sign up to Breaking News Australia
Get the most important news as it breaks
after newsletter promotion
The federal government had argued if its appeal failed it would be liable to pay native title holders compensation 'to an indeterminate number of grants of interests' in the Northern Territory land and that would have 'enormous financial ramifications'.
After the high court judgment, the attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, said the government recognised the 'significant contribution' the late Dr Yunupingu made in initiating the case.
'The commonwealth appealed to the high court to settle critical constitutional issues in this case,' he said.
'This decision clarifies the constitution's application to those issues for parties to this and future matters.'
Greens Senator Dorinda Cox said the government must now 'step up' and ensure the Gumatj people receive the compensation they are owed.
'For too long, First Nations people have borne the cost of mining and resource extraction on our lands without proper respect and shared benefit,' she said.
'This ruling sends a clear message and precedent: the commonwealth cannot ignore its obligations when it comes to First Nations land rights.'
A native title application, which Dr Yunupingu filed at the same time as the compensation case, will continue to be heard in the federal court.
Help for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is available on 13YARN on 13 92 76

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Luxury Edinburgh watch boutique opens at St James Quarter with pool table and bar
Luxury Edinburgh watch boutique opens at St James Quarter with pool table and bar

Edinburgh Live

time15 hours ago

  • Edinburgh Live

Luxury Edinburgh watch boutique opens at St James Quarter with pool table and bar

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A luxury Swiss watchmaker has opened within Edinburgh's St James Quarter with a pool table and stocked bar. The new additions to Breitling, which has seen the unit more the double in size, have been put in place to offer a "enhanced client experience" and the "perfect environment" to discover its wears. The expanded boutique within the huge shopping, dining and leisure centre, recently reopened following a refurbishment and in partnership with Watches of Switzerland Group. The unique store features an industrial loft design, exposed brickwork and steel accents. It also includes a pool table and fully stocked bar for customers to discover the full collection. Gavin Murphy, Breitling's Managing Director, commented: "The expansion of the Edinburgh boutique marks an important step for Breitling in Scotland, a city that has long been significant to the brand. (Image: Breitling) "The new boutique has doubled in size, allowing us to bring more theatre. With the Breitling pool table and a bar that truly embodies the spirit of Breitling, creating a social, informal and inclusive experience to our clients" Customers can find the brand's full collection in-store, from UK exclusives and limited editions to iconic timepieces such as the Navitimer, Chronomat, Superocean, and Premier. Craig Bolton, President of the Watches of Switzerland Group UK & Europe, added: "The Watches of Switzerland Group has a rich history of long-standing, prestigious brand partnerships, and we are delighted to be partnering with Breitling in opening the expanded boutique in St. James Quarter – the leading premium retail destination in Scotland."

Should young Australians be worried about Labor's superannuation tax changes?
Should young Australians be worried about Labor's superannuation tax changes?

The Guardian

time20 hours ago

  • The Guardian

Should young Australians be worried about Labor's superannuation tax changes?

As debate rages over the Labor government's tax changes for large superannuation accounts, some young workers have asked their financial advisers whether they will be caught by the reforms. Advisers have told Guardian Australia that some young workers have even questioned whether they should stop making additional contributions. Experts say it's unlikely that younger Australians will get caught by the changes, with older, high-income earners the most exposed to the reforms. Here's what young Australians need to know about the changes. Most workers are legally entitled to be paid a guaranteed 11.5% of their wages into their superannuation fund, or 12% from July this year. The government levies a tax of 15% on the earnings on super balances of workers yet to retire and of retirees with more than $2m. Labor has proposed to lift that 15% tax to 30%, but only for the earnings from the portion of the balances over $3m. Earnings on the first $3m in an account would still be taxed at 15%. The tax would be levied each year. You can read a broader breakdown here. Economists expect most young people currently working will not hit $3m balances, though higher-income earners will have a higher chance at getting there. By the 2050s, when millennials will be looking at retirement and gen Z and Alpha will dominate the workforce, one in 10 people will have $3m balances, Treasury and Grattan Institute modelling shows. That could rise to three or four in every 10 people in the 2060s according to Diana Mousina, an AMP economist. But she says it is unlikely that 'half of gen Z' will reach $3m in super balances, contrary to some media reporting of her analysis. Mousina's modelling shows a worker earning more than $90,000 a year who works for 40 years consecutively with a 3% pay rise every year would probably achieve a $3m balance. This means a worker in their 20s who reaches $90,000 or over soon, then maintains it for the rest of their working life, could one day be affected. Workers on lower incomes who made no extra contributions and took time off work, for example to have a child, would be unlikely to reach $3m, according to Harry Chemay, a superannuation and wealth management consultant. The Financial Services Council, meanwhile, expects about 500,000 people of 14.6 million currently employed would earn enough to see their top-range tax breaks reduced slightly under the new proposal. While the reform would increase tax rates on big balances, superannuation would still be an effective way for high-income earners to reduce the tax they pay. The average superannuation balance in mid-2022 was $164,000, so most Australians are nowhere near balances over $3m. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email The proposed 30% tax rate is still lower than the top income tax rate of 45%, meaning superannuation contributions would continue to offer a tax break for well-paid workers. Public debate over the tax illuminated how lightly superannuation is taxed, according to Jonathan Philpot, a wealth management partner at accounting firm HLB Mann Judd in Sydney. 'It actually highlights that super actually has much lower tax rates than virtually any other structure you can have in your retirement years,' he says. 'I wouldn't want people changing their super plans.' Experts believe it is likely the threshold for the new tax would be lifted above $3m at some point in the future, so some young people who hit the $3m figure may not end up paying extra. Mousina is among those who agree the $3m benchmark for the new extra rate will probably rise but she suggests the increase could be baked into the new laws for the tax, which need the Greens' support to pass. 'We should think about indexing it, rather than just having no legislation around when it's going to cap out,' she says. The lack of assurance on whether the tax threshold will be lifted above $3m has attracted some media outcry, despite expert consensus that the figure would have to rise. Debate has also focused on the proposal to tax a type of investment return called unrealised gains, which would see high earners pay tax on a rise in value of some assets on paper while leaving them unable to get that money back if the asset value falls in the future. Most super accounts would have limited exposure to unrealised gains, according to Chemay. Australians with self-managed super funds are more likely to struggle with this type of investment. However, self-managed super funds only make up about 1 million of the 20 million or so super savers – and just 15% of them are under the age of 45. For perspective, four million Australians have more than one super account. The government in 2018 estimated the resulting extra fees would leave the average worker about $50,000 worse off by the time they retired.

Price of 'beautiful' £5,500 diamond watch cut to less than £200
Price of 'beautiful' £5,500 diamond watch cut to less than £200

Wales Online

time21 hours ago

  • Wales Online

Price of 'beautiful' £5,500 diamond watch cut to less than £200

Price of 'beautiful' £5,500 diamond watch cut to less than £200 The price of a stunning diamond watch has been slashed in price Debenhams has slashed 97 per cent off this stunning diamond encrusted watch (Image: Debenhams ) As summer arrives with its promise of social events, adding an elegant watch to your ensemble can truly transform your style. For the fashion-forward searching for a designer watch to uplift their wardrobe, there's an enticing offer at hand. Diamond enthusiasts, it's time to celebrate as Debenhams has slashed the price on a sparkling diamond-encrusted watch amid their current sale. Savvy shoppers can take advantage of the Debenhams sale, bagging a generous 97% off the stunning GV2 Bari Diamond Swiss Quartz Watch by Gevril. Originally costing a hefty £5,495, this "beautiful" accessory is yours for a mere £183.75. As previously reported by Daily Record in April, the watch had been discounted to £195, but is now reduced a further £11.25 in this recent sale. READ MORE: Next's new £45 leather sandals are 'comfy enough to wear all summer long' LATEST: Debenhams luxury watch is down from £1,500 to £180 in time for Father's Day Drawing inspiration from the picturesque Italian city of Bari, this exquisite Swiss watch from Gevril's exclusive GV2 Bari collection boasts a "sophisticated" mother-of-pearl dial set within an elegant rectangular case, surrounded by 18 glittering diamonds. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . As the old adage goes, diamonds are a girl's best friend, which rings true with the GV2 watch's gleaming diamond-adorned 60-second subdial. To add to its grandeur, the timepiece comes with a refined two-tone bracelet and a distinctive pumpkin-shaped crown, according to the Daily Record. Not just beautiful but durable too, this watch is water resistant up to 30 metres. With Debenhams customers already showering the chic watch with praise, it has secured a strong 4.4-star rating, with critiques highlighting both its polished look and the irresistible discounted price. Diamonds are a girl's best friend with this beautiful timepiece (Image: Debenhams ) Clients are raving about the chic and cost-effective Bari diamond watch, sharing their glowing endorsements. One buyer enthused: "Absolutely over the moon with my Bari diamond watch. A beautiful piece of craftsmanship. Can't wait to wear it on a special occasion." Another customer shared their satisfaction by saying: "Fantastic looking watch and at a good price. I bought it for my wife's birthday which she loved. Looks a million dollars." The praise continued from another purchaser: "Love this and still can't believe the price reduction - amazing buy!" A further comment said: "Beautiful watch, looks fabulous on, and the bargain of the century!". In the midst of these commendations, a thrilled shopper pointed out the extraordinary value: "You know when you see something at a really discounted price, you always think its a con or just too good to be true. "Well this purchase is neither of those things. Absolutely beautiful watch, genuine diamonds and well made." Even as numerous customers expressed their adoration, there was a less enthusiastic perspective regarding its style. A contrasting opinion was aired: "Quite cheap looking and the face is too big for a ladies watch. I don't believe this is meant to be an expensive watch." For those looking to enhance their wristwear, the GV2 Bari Diamond Swiss Quartz Watch is available for purchase here. To purchase a watch for a cheaper price but looks just as good, you could purchase the Sekonda Elizabeth Women's Quartz Watch 33mm with Stone Set Case, Analogue Display and Stainless Steel Bracelet for £25.99 on Amazon. Article continues below Alternatively, you could get the Radley Smart Series 33 AMOLED Stoneset Gold Tone Leather Strap Smart Calling Black Watch for £96 from Next.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store