Practice Profile
Tony Neal KC has a diverse civil practice with a well-earned reputation for meticulous preparation and for his in-court skills, particularly as a cross-examiner.
Whilst his practice spans most aspects of contract, tort and property-based disputes, as well as administrative law, Tony also has a particular recognized expertise in the area of native title [Tony is listed as a Leading Native Title Law Barrister in Doyle's 2024 guide] . A sample of Tony’s native title cases is listed below.
In keeping with the diversity of his practice Tony appeared for the mine owners before the Board of Inquiry into the Hazelwood Mine and for the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in the Court of Appeal in an action to dismiss the Committee of Management of the Framlingham Aboriginal Trust. He also advised the Noongar people in their historic settlement agreement with the W.A. Government.
The Commonwealth Attorney-General's Department has engaged Tony to undertake a substantial consultancy relating to proposed changes to the Attorney's funding of respondents in native title matters.
Tony acted as Counsel Assisting in the 2020 Victorian Hotel Quarantine Inquiry.
Tony also acts as a mediator in civil matters. Tony was formerly Chairman of the Bar’s ADR Sub-Committee and an instructor in the Victorian Bar's well regarded Lawyers Mediation Certificate Course.
Tony's skills as a mediator were recognized by his appointment to the panel to whom the Federal Court refers mediation of native title matters. He has overseen a number of successful mediations in this capacity including the De Rose Hill compensation claim, the first of its kind in Australia.
Reported Native Title Cases
Weribone on behalf of the Mandandanji People v State of Queensland [2013] FCA 255
Weribone on behalf of the Mandandanji People v State of Queensland (No 2) [2013] FCA 485
Lovett on behalf of the Gunditjmara People v State of Victoria (No 5) [2011] FCA 932
Mullett on behalf of the Gunai/Kurnai People v State of Victoria [2010] FCA 1144
Lovett on behalf of the Gunditjmara People v State of Victoria [2007] FCA 474
Clarke on behalf of the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Peoples v Victoria [2005] FCA 1795
Members of the Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Community v Victoria & Ors [1998] FCA; [2001] FCA 45
Members of the Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Community v Victoria [2002] HCA 58; 214 CLR 422; 194 ALR 538; 77 ALJR 356
Paterson on behalf of the Yandruwandha Yawarrawarrka People v The State of Queensland [2024] FCA 7000
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