Indigenous woman Cindy Prior’s bid to revive a failed racial discrimination case against Queensland University of Technology students will be spearheaded by a barrister who acted in the landmark Mabo land rights case.

Barrister Greg McIntyre has thrown his weight behind the case for Ms Prior, who is seeking to appeal against a dismissal of her claim against the students over alleged comments criticising an Indigenous-only computer lab.

McInytre will argue the court erred by failing to consider the effect on Indigenous QUT students of claims they had “no entitlement” to the room.

Last week Justice Michael Jarret ruled that Ms Prior should pay the students legal costs which have been estimated to be as much as $200,000.

Ms Prior has also lodged a complaint with the Australian federal police over alleged online threats and abuse prompted by the case.