Native title reforms to escape dependency

Australians can't complain about the cost of indigenous welfare while denying Aboriginal people the right to use their land to escape dependency.

That's the message from Human Rights Commissioner Tim Wilson who is calling for reforms to native title land rights.

He wants less red tape, flexible ownership structures and business models that allow indigenous land owners to raise equity.

"It's not our place to tell Aboriginal Australia how to use their land," he told the National Press Club on Wednesday.

Mr Wilson and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda will hold a forum this year to review and suggest reforms to native title.