Native title rights have existed in Australia for three decades. But while they were hailed as a turning point for Indigenous economic development, the legacy has been mixed.

Native title groups hosting the iron-ore industry in the Pilbara are holding more than $1 billion of net assets in trusts, but there is little to show for the vast majority of Indigenous Australians. And the funds set up by the government to provide for those who miss out have failed to deliver.