The UN General Assembly adopted a non-binding declaration protecting the human, land and resources rights of the world's 370 million Indigenous people

Indigenous peoples say their lands and territories are being threatened by such things as mineral extraction, logging, environmental contamination, privatisation and development projects, classification of lands as protected areas or game reserves and use of genetically modified seeds and technology.

But Australia, along with Canada, New Zealand and the United States - all countries with sizeable Indigenous populations - expressed disappointment with the text.

most of the world's remaining natural resources - minerals, freshwater, potential energy sources - are found within Indigenous peoples' territories.

The Australian Government says it will again vote against the United Nations declaration

The Federal Opposition says it would vote for the statement, if in government.

incorrect to say that the declaration will override sovereign law,