Leonne Velickovic on behalf of the Widji People/Western Australia/Scotia Nickel Ltd

Leonne Velickovic, on behalf of the Widji People, brought an application against the State of Western Australia and Scotia Nickel Ltd concerning a proposed grant of an exploration licence for nickel in the Cape York Peninsula. The Widji People argued that the grant of the licence would interfere with their native title rights and could cause direct interference with their community or social activities, affect sites of particular significance, and cause major disturbance to the land. The court was required to determine whether the proposed act would likely result in any of these interferences, as well as whether the act attracted the expedited procedure under the Native Title Act.

The court examined the evidence presented by the Widji People and found that there was insufficient likelihood of direct interference with their community or social activities, interference with sites of particular significance, or major disturbance to the land. The court concluded that the proposed grant of the exploration licence did not attract the expedited procedure and could proceed. The Widji People's application was dismissed.

The court found that the proposed grant of the exploration licence did not attract the expedited procedure under the Native Title Act, and the application was dismissed. The parties were directed to take necessary steps to facilitate the grant of the exploration licence. The court emphasised the importance of the Widji People's native title rights and the need for proper consultation and negotiation between the parties in the future.