Catchwords:

ADMINISTRATIVE LAW – delegation of statutory functions and powers – distinction between authorisation and delegation – the Carltona principle – principles for determining whether a power or function is delegable – effect of delegation

NATIVE TITLE – whether a representative body under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) is able to delegate its power and function to certify an application for an area Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) under s 201BE(1)(b) – the process and alternative pathways for registration of an area ILUA – position of representative bodies under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) – importance of representative body’s duty to promote and protect broad community interests of Aboriginal people who hold or may hold native title and not merely sectional interests – certification function under s 201BE(1)(b) is not delegable

STATUTORY INTERPRETATION – interpretation of “necessary and convenient” powers such as s 201BK of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) – such powers strictly ancillary and supplementary to other functions conferred on the statutory repository – scope and operation of a “necessary and convenient” power in a particular context depends on the primary power or function being supplemented