Northern Territory v Mr A. Griffiths (deceased) and Lorraine Jones on behalf of the Ngaliwurru and Nungali Peoples

Aboriginals – Native title rights – Assessment of compensation – Where "previous exclusive possession act[s]" within meaning of s 23B in Div 2B of Pt 2 of Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) ("NTA") extinguished non-exclusive native title rights and interests held by Ngaliwurru and Nungali Peoples ("Claim Group") – Where Claim Group entitled to compensation under Div 5 of Pt 2 of NTA – Whether economic loss and cultural loss assessed separately – Principles of assessment for compensation for economic loss – Whether economic value of Claim Group's native title rights and interests equivalent to freehold value of affected land – Whether reduction from freehold value appropriate and how calculated – Whether inalienability of native title rights and interests a relevant discounting factor – Principles of assessment for compensation for cultural loss – Whether trial judge erred in assessment of cultural loss – Whether award manifestly excessive – Whether award met community standards.

Interest – Whether simple or compound interest payable on award for economic loss – Upon what basis simple interest payable.

Words and phrases – "compensable acts", "compensation", "compound interest", "compulsory acquisition", "cultural loss", "discount", "easement", "economic loss", "exclusive native title rights and interests", "extinguishing act", "inalienability", "just terms", "manifestly excessive", "native title", "non-economic loss", "non-exclusive native title rights and interests", "objective economic value", "percentage reduction from full exclusive native title", "previous exclusive possession act", "simple interest", "solatium".

Constitution – 51(xxxi).

Lands Acquisition Act (NT) – Sch 2.

Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) – Pts 1, 2, 15.

Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) – s 10.