Land Rights and Land Councils
The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 provides a mechanism for compensating Aboriginal people of NSW for loss of their land. The preamble of Land Rights Act 1983 states that land was traditionally owned and occupied by Aboriginal people and accepts that as a result of past Government decisions, the amount of land set aside for Aboriginal people had been reduced without compensation.
To redress the loss of land Aboriginal Land Councils can claim crown land, which if granted, is transferred as freehold title.
There are 121 Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council comprising of nine regional councillors that are elected every four years.
Additionally the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 established a statutory investment fund, managed by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council that invests and disburses funds to maintain the network of land councils, and when possible invests in other initiatives for the betterment of the Aboriginal people of NSW.
The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 has a long history that was hard won by the Aboriginal people of NSW and through non-partisan work and support in the NSW parliament.
Key Contacts
For further information please contact one of the following:
- The Compliance Unit at the Department of Aboriginal Affairs on (02) 9219 0700 .
- The Office of the Registrar, Aboriginal Land Rights Act on (02) 9562 6327 .
- The NSW Aboriginal Land Council on (02) 9689 4444 .
Download more info:
Timeline of the history of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act [pdf File]
