Since the Bill’s introduction, NSWALC, the Land Rights Network, and its allies have strongly opposed the Bill and campaigned against its passage.
Access to unused Crown Land is an avenue for justice for Aboriginal people and is an opportunity for self-determination, economic growth, and much-needed resources for Aboriginal communities in NSW.
However, despite NSWALC’s efforts over many months to work constructively with government, the Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 (the Bill) was passed on 16 September 2026. The Bill included retrospective legislation that erodes the Aboriginal land claims process.
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council remains firmly opposed to the Bill’s passage and the NSW Government's discriminatory actions. We are now considering the final legislation and its implications for the Land Rights Network.
What the changes mean for LALCs
What NSWALC did in opposition to the Bill's passing
The advocacy of the Land Rights Network made a difference, despite the outcome. Together, significant changes to the Bill were secured.
Where land is subject to an undetermined Aboriginal land claim, the relevant LALC must be given at least 28 days to comment on any proposed validation or variation.
A longer period may be provided for complex matters.
The decision to validate or vary a Crown land tenure must be made personally by the Minister for Lands and Property.
The Minister will not be able to delegate these powers to departmental officers.
After deciding, the Minister must notify the affected parties and provide reasons.
The Minister must also report annually on the use of the powers where the land is subject to an Aboriginal land claim.
These changes were won because LALCs, members, communities, unions, supporters, and parliamentary representatives stood together and refused to stay silent.
NSWALC would like to thank every LALC and member who wrote to MPs, signed and shared the petition, contacted the media, attended meetings, and informed their communities of the situation and its implications.
More information is available via the Factsheet (PDF)
Timeline
17 March
22 March
23 March
24 March
1 April
14 April
6 May
27 May
11 June
19 June
20 June
Upon review of the proposed amendments, NSWALC stood firm that the Bill was, and still is, riddled with discriminatory elements that would disproportionately impact Aboriginal Communities. NSWALC raised concerns that the consultation period on these amendments was unsatisfactory and did not allow for genuine, meaningful consultation.
NSWALC requested an extension on the consultation period to July 31 2026.
1 July
The NSW Government granted an extension on the consultation timeframe until 31 July 2026. NSWALC is currently conducting consultation with the Network and encouraging LALCs to submit their feedback as part of this extended consultation process.
1 August
The Land Rights Network and NSWALC continued their strong advocacy against the Bill, and opposition to the NSW Government's misleading narrative regarding the characterisation of Aboriginal land claims as a threat to public assets
29 August
The Sydney Morning Herald published an article regarding Talus Reserve, a portion of land owned by the Metropolitan LALC (MLALC) in Sydney. The article detailed how MLALC planned to evict the current tenants on that portion of land, which later was proven untrue.
This article in the Sydney Morning Herald became a catalyst for further misinformation to be spread throughout the media and in the community in the lead-up to the Bill being tabled in Parliament.
16 September
The NSW Labor Government passed the Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 (the Bill) through Parliament.
The Bill’s passing undermines the spirit and purpose of Aboriginal Land Rights legislation in NSW, to create meaningful and lasting economic opportunities for our communities and the broader community of NSW. 43,000 claims remain outstanding.
What’s next?
Our work has not ended. We continue to defend the rights our Elders and Land Rights Warriors fought so hard to secure.
NSWALC will closely monitor how the new laws are applied, test the legislation and challenge any government decision that unlawfully or unfairly affects Aboriginal Land Rights and our communities.
Latest information on the Bill
(opens in a new tab)NSW Government Chooses to Weaken Aboriginal Land Rights
16 September, 2026
(opens in a new tab)NSWALC Opposes Return of Retrospective Crown Land Bill
15 September, 2026
(opens in a new tab)Crown Land Management Amendment Bill returns to Parliament
15 September, 2026
How you can stay updated
Over the coming months, NSWALC and the broader Aboriginal Land Rights Network will continue to oppose this Bill.
Follow our social channels to stay informed and find further ways to stand with us:
