This ruling enables the Gumatj people's native title claim to progress through the federal court, where further determinations regarding compensation will take place.

The case traces back to a claim initiated in 2019 by the late Indigenous elder Dr. Yunupingu, who represented the Gumatj people's rights over a mining lease granted on the Gove Peninsula during the 1960s.

This ruling exposes the federal government to potential compensation claims dating back to its control over the Northern Territory from 1911 to 1978, marking a significant shift in compensation interpretations.

The High Court's judgment underscored Indigenous Australians' deep and historical connection to their land, which predates colonial settlement and the constitution.

The High Court of Australia has upheld a Federal Court decision, allowing the Gumatj people to pursue a substantial $700 million native title compensation claim related to land acquired by the federal government in the Northern Territory.

In a significant ruling, the High Court dismissed a Commonwealth appeal concerning this landmark compensation case, affirming the Gumatj people's rights to compensation for bauxite mining activities in Gove, Arnhem Land.

At the heart of the case was a constitutional question regarding whether the 'just terms' guarantee applies to historical extinguishments of native title by the Commonwealth.

National Native Title Council CEO Jamie Lowe hailed the decision as a landmark moment in the ongoing fight for Aboriginal rights and recognition in Australia.

Gumatj leaders Djawa Yunupingu and Balupalu Yunupingu celebrated the court's decision, asserting that justice has been served for their people.

Dr. Yunupingu, a prominent land rights activist, originally brought the case alongside a native title application for his clan, highlighting the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights.

A ruling from the federal court in May 2023 established that native title rights are considered property, and their extinguishment requires compensation under the 'just terms' principle.

As a result of the court's ruling, the Commonwealth could be liable for up to $700 million in compensation for past mining activities conducted on Gumatj clan land.