jan 15, 1992 - The High Court rejects the notion of terra nullius and recognises the Meriam people as the native title holders of traditional lands on Murray Island.

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The ruling finds that native title exists separate from Crown claims to the land, as long as a connection to the land for people claiming native title remains.

It is hailed as a momentous victory by the Indigenous rights movement, but within the mining and pastoral sectors unease grows over the implications of the ruling.

Sadly Mr Mabo is not present to celebrate the victory. He died of cancer five months earlier, aged 56.

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