Leonne Velickovic (Widji)/Western Australia/Hamill Resources Ltd

Leonne Velickovic, a native title party, sought an expedited procedure objection to the grant of an exploration licence by Hamill Resources Ltd. The matter was heard in the Federal Court of Australia. The dispute centred on whether the proposed exploration activities would directly interfere with the native title party's community or social activities, interfere with sites of particular significance, or involve major disturbance to the native title party's land. The court was required to determine whether the act in question attracted the expedited procedure as per the Native Title Act 1993.

The court examined the likelihood of the proposed exploration activities directly interfering with the native title party's community or social activities. It also considered the potential interference with sites of particular significance and the likelihood of major disturbance. The court found that the proposed activities had the potential to directly interfere with the native title party's community or social activities and involved major disturbance. These factors led the court to conclude that the act did attract the expedited procedure.

In summary, the court held that the proposed exploration activities by Hamill Resources Ltd would directly interfere with the native title party's community or social activities and involve major disturbance. Consequently, the court granted the expedited procedure objection and required Hamill Resources Ltd to engage with Leonne Velickovic to address the potential impacts on native title rights and interests. The court emphasised the importance of considering native title rights in exploration activities.