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On arrival of Lt James Cook on Botany Bay he declared the land Terra Nullius (nobody's land) as the Indigenous people were seen as nomadic and their society ways and laws were not recognised
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Torres Strait Islander Eddie Mabo, who was working as a gardener at James Cook University in Townsville, finds that he does not own land back on Murray Island where he grew up
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At James Cook University there were discussed strategies for bringing a definitive High Court decision on land rights. Eddie Mabo spoke about the land rights in Torres Strait.
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Eddie Mabo, Dave Passi and James Rice passed an action against both the State of Queensland anf the Commonwealth claiming 'native title' to the Murray Islands
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In attempt to anticipate the case, the Queensland Government passes the Queensland Coast Islands Declartory Act 1985 to eliminate the native rights of the Meriam people to the Murray Islands in the Torres Strait
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The Constitutional validity of the Queensland Coasts Islands Delclaratory Act 1985 is challenged in the High Court by Eddie Mabo and other Torres Strait Islanders
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Hearing of evidence in the Mabo Case by the Supreme Court continues, partially in Brisbane and partially on Mer Island and Thursday Island in the Torres Strait
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The High Court ruled that the Queensland Coasts Islands Declaratory Act 1985 was inconsistent with the Commonwealth Racial Discrimination Act. This became known as Mabo v. Queensland (No.1) (1988) and the original Mabo proceedings could continue
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Eddie Mabo passes away in Brisbane while being treated for cancer
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The High Court recognises that native title is part of Australian land law. This historic decision revokes the doctrine that Australia was Terra Nullius. The High Court also recognises that the Meriam people were "entitled as against the whole world, to possesionm occupation, use and enjoyment of the lands of the Murray Islands
