The Crown Lands Management Amendment Bill 2026 Update

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) is writing to provide an update to the Aboriginal Land Rights Network regarding the Crown Lands Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 currently before the NSW Parliament.

Since the introduction of the Bill, the NSWALC has been actively engaging across the political spectrum to raise serious concerns about the potential impact of the proposed amendments on the Aboriginal Land Rights land restitution framework in New South Wales.

The proposed changes have significant implications for the operation of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) and may have a detrimental impact on the ability of Local Aboriginal Land Councils to activate land for economic development, cultural use, and community benefit.

Advocacy and Engagement

NSWALC has undertaken extensive advocacy since the Bill was introduced. This includes:

• Direct engagement with Members of Parliament from the Government, Opposition and Crossbench
• Representations to relevant government departments and the public service to ensure the full ramifications of the amendments are understood
• Engagement with allies across the non-government sector, business community and legal profession
• Raising awareness of the potential impacts on the Aboriginal Land Rights Network and Aboriginal communities across New South Wales

These discussions are ongoing and will continue in the coming weeks.

Next Steps

The Council will meet next week to consider the current situation and to determine further strategic actions to be taken by the NSWALC and the broader Aboriginal Land Rights Network.

The NSW Parliament is scheduled to sit again in:

• The first week of May, and
• The final week of May

These sitting weeks will be critical in determining the pathway for the Bill.

Maintaining Pressure and Advocacy

It is important that the momentum across the network is maintained.

Local Aboriginal Land Councils and supporters are encouraged to continue their advocacy efforts by:

• Writing to your local Members of Parliament. See template here.
• Requesting meetings with MPs in your electorate.
• Raising awareness within your communities about the potential impacts of the Bill.
• Encouraging allies and supporters to also make representations to Parliament.
• Keeping up-to-date on the latest information. See updated factsheet here.

Consistent and coordinated advocacy from across the network will ensure that the voices of Aboriginal communities are heard clearly by decision-makers.

NSWALC will continue to keep the network informed as developments occur.

Further updates will be provided following the Council meeting next week.