12 November, 2025

Aboriginal Culture and cultural heritage are not just artefacts from the past – they are living and exist within people and Country. Matters of Culture and cultural authority are complex, sophisticated and deeply nuanced. They cannot, and should not, be determined by non-Aboriginal mechanisms, laws or structures. 

NSWALC has long advocated for the establishment of an Aboriginal Community-controlled Culture and Heritage mechanism – one that empowers our Land Rights Network and Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALC) to make decisions while upholding the fundamental principles of self-determination. 

Community input into cultural heritage cannot be on a self-identification basis, but it also cannot be exclusionary. Non-Aboriginal, non-community decision-makers simply cannot navigate the depth and complexity of these cultural matters. 

This is where LALCs play a critical role. They can help navigate Community and cultural complexities, and help identify the right people to speak for a place and Country at all times. While these structures do not have cultural authority themselves, they should have a voice to take action on behalf of their members, communities and people to protect cultural heritage from harm. 

It has and always will be up to us to protect this, and that will not change. We stand by our LALCs on this. 

NSWALC will continue to advocate for Commonwealth First Nations Cultural Heritage reforms that uphold protections, promote inclusivity and self-determination, respect local Aboriginal communities’ authority over Country and ensure reforms do not weaken rights under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW). 

We will continue to work with and support our communities to protect our cultural heritage and advance our rights. We stand ready to work with willing parties to achieve a better future that celebrates and elevates our Culture.