What was the major outcome of the Mabo decision in 1992?

The major outcome of the Mabo decision in 1992 was the overturning of terra nullius, a legal doctrine that had been used in Australia to justify the European colonization of the continent, effectively treating it as "land belonging to no one" despite the presence of Indigenous peoples. This landmark High Court ruling recognized the traditional rights of Indigenous Australians to their land, acknowledging that they had a continuous connection to it prior to the arrival of British settlers.

The Mabo decision led to significant legal and social changes, paving the way for land rights claims, which allowed Indigenous groups to seek formal recognition of their rights to traditional lands. This decision is seen as a crucial moment in Australian history, highlighting the need for reconciliation and the recognition of Indigenous peoples' rights.

The other options listed do not accurately reflect the central significance of the Mabo decision. The extension of welfare benefits, establishment of protected wildlife areas, and creation of new national parks are related to environmental and social policies but do not capture the fundamental legal and historical implications of the Mabo ruling regarding land rights and Indigenous sovereignty.