15 November, 2019

15 November 2019

Information Regarding Candidates in the NSWALC Election

With the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council election now just 15 days away, recent discussion has centred on the candidates who have nominated to represent the eight regions that will be voted on.

It is exciting for the Land Rights Network in New South Wales that 51 men and women from across the state have put their hand up to contest the election on 30 November.

We already know that current Deputy Chair Charles Lynch will remain as the Councillor for the Northern region after nominating uncontested when the ballot draw was held last week.

It is also timely to clarify some apparent misunderstandings around candidacy as we head into the election polling day.

NSWALC is aware of some incorrect remarks that have circulated on social media in recent days which may have caused some confusion to our voting members.

We would like to assure the Network that Board and staff members of Local Aboriginal Land Councils are eligible to stand as candidates for the NSW Aboriginal Land Council election.

Under the terms of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983, these Board and staff members will need to resign from their positions at the Local Aboriginal Land Council if they are elected.

All candidates have been instructed and reminded that their campaign is to be conducted in their own personal capacity and to avoid using the resources of the Local Aboriginal Land Council.

NSWALC staff who are contesting the election are required to be on leave from the time of their nomination until the declaration of the poll.

We wish all candidates the best of luck with their campaign and encourage all eligible members to vote on 30 November, or take advantage of the pre-polling and postal voting options available.

More information can be found by following the links on the NSWALC website.