What is Mabo Day?
Mabo Day is observed every year on June 3 and marks a defining moment in Australia’s legal and cultural history.
It commemorates the 1992 High Court decision, also known as the Mabo decision, which recognised that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples had occupied and cared for this land for tens of thousands of years. It also acknowledged that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had (and continue to have) a strong connection to the land they live on.
The Mabo decision legally rejected the myth that Australia was ‘terra nullius’, the false claim that the land belonged to nobody at the time of colonisation.
The landmark ruling laid the foundation for the Native Title Act 1993, which allows First Nations peoples to apply for legal recognition of their rights to land and waters.
Who was Eddie Mabo?
Eddie Koiki Mabo was a Meriam man from Mer (Murray Island) in the Torres Strait.
Mabo spent over a decade fighting to have the land rights of his people legally recognised. His persistence led to a legal case that forever changed the way Australia understands ownership, sovereignty, and connection to Country.
Mabo was a father, teacher and activist whose passion for justice stemmed from lived experience and a deep commitment to his community.
Why Mabo Day matters today
Mabo Day is a time to pause and reflect on the courage of those who challenge injustice, and on the continuing journey of reconciliation in Australia.
It is a powerful reminder that acknowledging the truth of our past is essential for building a more inclusive, respectful, and united future.
Mabo Day marks the final day of National Reconciliation Week, held annually from May 27 to June 3. It’s a time to reflect, learn, and act.
At Joint Colleges Training Services (JTCS), we are committed to fostering respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and supporting learning environments for GPs and GP registrars that honour truth, history, and diversity.