Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change

Abstract

This paper will consider the notion of Indigenous rights in Australia, and the impacts of those rights in a climate change policy vacuum. In particular, the paper will consider the effect of the Equator Principles and the potential effect of the rising tide of class actions by First Peoples seeking redress from the Courts where Parliament has failed. 

Presenter biography

Tony McEvoy SC is Australia’s first Indigenous Senior Counsel.  Admitted as a barrister in New South Wales in 2000, Mr McAvoy SC practises in the areas of native title and land rights, human rights and discrimination law, administrative law and coronial inquest and criminal law. He appeared for the Quandamooka People of North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Bay in 2011 and the Barngarla People of Eyre Peninsula on their successful native title claims, and most recently represented the Narungga People in South Australia in their negotiations towards a treaty. Throughout his career, Mr McAvoy SC has held many positions concerning Indigenous affairs and land rights. These include a legal career at the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation for Legal Services, manager of Heritage and Natural Resources at the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs and the registrar of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act.