Complaint Lodged With The Australian Human Rights Commission On The Crown Lands Bill

The New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has formally lodged a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) regarding the Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 (the Bill).

The complaint raised a number of serious concerns, arguing that the Bill directly undermines Aboriginal land rights in NSW established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) (ALRA); rights held exclusively by Aboriginal people in the State.

NSWALC contends that the proposed changes are racially discriminatory, citing the disproportionate impact on Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the complete lack of consultation with the Land Rights network prior to the Bill’s introduction.  

In summary, the NSWALC complaint details:

• The Bill undermines Aboriginal land rights under the ALRA, which are rights held only by Aboriginal people.
• NSWALC and LALCs were not consulted at any stage before the Bill’s introduction on 17 March, despite what would have been a lengthy Cabinet development process.
• The State Government has described the changes as “minor” or “technical”, which we say is misleading given the real and substantive impact on land claims and land return; and
• The way the Bill has been publicly framed has contributed to misunderstandings about land rights and increased scrutiny of LALCs.

NSWALC argues that its complete exclusion from the decision-making process prior to the Bill’s introduction on 17 March 2026 reflects broader racial inequality and hostility, with the State Government’s actions uniquely constraining Aboriginal property rights.

Planned Protest Against the Bill

Lastly, we have heard from the Network that a strong show of unity is needed at this time in opposition to the Crown Lands Bill.

We call on all Local Aboriginal Land Councils, Aboriginal Community Organisations and community members and allies to come together in protest of the NSW Government’s attempt to hollow out Aboriginal Land Rights.

Where: NSW Parliament, Macquarie Street, Sydney

When: 6 May 2026, 11:30 am Meet at the Archibald Memorial Fountain located at the northern end of Hyde Park.

We will continue to share information with the Network regarding this planned action as it comes to hand.

Please note that the application is yet to be lodged and is subject to State approvals.

Together we stand, divided we fall.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact the Strategy and Policy Unit –  policy@alc.org.au.