Today, June 3, 2025, marks the 33rd anniversary of the landmark Mabo v Queensland (No 2) decision by the High Court of Australia. On this day in 1992, the High Court, in favour of Meriam man Eddie Mabo and his co-plaintiffs, overturned the legal fiction of ‘terra nullius’ – the idea that Australia was land belonging to no one before European settlement.

This profound decision recognised the pre-existing native title rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, acknowledging their ongoing connection to and ownership of their traditional lands and waters according to their own laws and customs.

Eddie Mabo’s relentless pursuit of justice, often against immense personal hardship, was instrumental in bringing about this historic change. His legacy continues to be honoured for the profound impact it has had on advancing the legal and human rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, laying the groundwork for native title recognition and ongoing reconciliation efforts in Australia.

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