Wilfred Hicks a named applicant and representative of the Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo People/ Western Australia/Geotech International Pty Ltd

Wilfred Hicks, on behalf of the Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo People, and Western Australia, represented by Geotech International Pty Ltd, were the parties involved in this dispute, which was heard by the Federal Court of Australia. The central issue was whether the proposed grant of an exploration licence by the State of Western Australia constituted an act that would interfere with the carrying on of the native title holders' community or social activities, affect sites of particular significance, or cause major disturbance to the land. This matter was addressed under the expedited procedure for objection applications.

The court had to determine if the proposed act by Western Australia was likely to interfere with the native title holders' activities, affect sites of particular significance, or cause major disturbance to the land. Additionally, it needed to decide whether the act fell under the category of those that attract the expedited procedure for objection applications, allowing for quicker consideration.

The court found that the proposed grant of the exploration licence did not appear likely to interfere with the native title holders' activities, affect sites of particular significance, or cause major disturbance to the land. Furthermore, the act was identified as one that attracts the expedited procedure for objection applications, as it did not seem to meet the criteria for interference. Consequently, the court ruled in favour of Western Australia and Geotech International Pty Ltd, dismissing the objection application by the Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo People. The court's decision was based on the evidence presented, which did not indicate any significant impact on the native title holders' rights or the environment.