What was one outcome of the Mabo decision?

• A. Recognized Indigenous land rights; challenges remain in sovereignty
• B. Completely resolved Indigenous sovereignty
• C. Began forced relocation
• D. Denied any native title

Answer: (A)

The main point is that the Mabo decision recognised Indigenous land rights under native title, challenging the long-held idea of terra nullius. The High Court ruled that Indigenous people could claim native title to land according to their traditional laws and customs, and that such rights could exist where not extinguished by later actions. This opened a legal pathway for Indigenous groups to have their connection to land recognised in Australian law, and it led to the Native Title Act 1993 to process and settle claims. However, this did not grant sovereignty to Indigenous peoples; sovereignty remains with the Crown and Parliament, and the decision did not completely resolve Indigenous sovereignty across Australia. It also did not involve forced relocation. The other statements don’t fit because they imply full sovereignty, or widespread forced relocation, or a denial of native title, none of which aligns with what the decision established.