The Mabo v Queensland (No. 2) decision was handed down in the High Court of Australia on 3 June 1992. 'Mabo', as it has come to be known, altered the foundation of land law in Australia. It provided official recognition of the inherent rights of Indigenous Australians to their traditional lands.

In 2001, the Mabo Case Manuscripts were inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register.

The Library holds an extensive collection of material relating to the Mabo decision and its lead applicant, Edward Koiki Mabo. 

Explore the display in the Library's Treasures Gallery, open 9am to 5pm daily. Entry to the Gallery is free and no bookings are required.

A free booklet containing an interview with Gail Mabo about the significance of the Library's Mabo Collection is available in the exhibition.

Plan your visit

For a quieter visit, our gallery spaces have quiet hours from 9:00 am to 10:00 am.