23 March, 2026
More than 250 leaders from across the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Network have gathered today in Parramatta for an emergency meeting in strong opposition to the Crown Lands Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 (the Bill).
The Network, which comprises Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), had originally planned to meet this week for the NSW Aboriginal Land Council 2026 Statewide Conference. However, in response to the immediate threat posed by the Bill, senior leaders made the decision to urgently pivot the Day One agenda to align on next steps to oppose the legislation.
NSWALC Chairperson, Dr Raymond Kelly, said the meeting is critical to ensuring the Network can take a united stand against the Bill.
“Today, leaders representing all 121 Local Aboriginal Land Councils and their 30,000 members will come together to develop a coordinated strategy to oppose this legislation,” Chair Kelly said.
“This is about standing united and taking decisive action against the hollowing out of land rights. When Premier Neville Wran introduced the only land restitution framework in Australia in 1983, I am sure he didn’t think that a Labor Government would be killing it in 2026.”
“This impacts more than just our people. It impacts the entire NSW public.”
The Bill has been publicly framed by Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, as containing minor procedural amendments. The Network strongly rejects this, warning that the proposed changes directly undermine the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA) and weaken longstanding public protections over Crown land in NSW.
NSWALC has also raised serious concerns following recent comments made by Minister Kamper in The Australian. In the article published on Saturday, 21 March, the Minister acknowledged that the Bill would impact land rights, contradicting claims that the reforms are intended to improve land rights outcomes.
The Minister further stated that the Bill would only apply to land never intended to be claimable by Aboriginal people. This Bill would give the Minister sweeping new powers with no balances or checks. The Network argues that these proposed powers represent an unprecedented overreach that undermines the legal framework underpinning land rights.
Claims that the Bill would affect only a small number of sites have also been disputed. One provision alone could impact approximately 3,000 parcels of land currently under claim with the NSW Government.
Chair Raymond Kelly, has strongly rejected the Minister’s position.
“The comments made by the Minister are simply not true. For more than 40 years, land claim processes have been guided by established law and the highest courts in this country,” Chair Kelly said.
“To suggest that 3,000 parcels of land is a ‘very small number’ shows a complete disregard for the scale and significance of what is at stake – not just for Aboriginal people, but for the broader community.”
“This is not just an attack on Aboriginal Land Rights – it is a threat to the public interest. These changes would prioritise private commercial interests over Community use of Crown land. The Aboriginal Land Rights Act is the result of decades of advocacy by our people. To so fundamentally alter its intent sets a dangerous precedent.”
NSWALC Deputy Chairperson, Cr Leeanne Hampton, said it’s clear the NSW Government is motivated by their desire to overcome the Australian High Court’s recent decision around Quarry Street.
“This is yet another example of the NSW Government failing to act in the best interests of its constituents, pushing through harmful legislation without proper consultation,” Cr Hampton said.
“Land managers across NSW have already felt the impact of the State Government’s approach through Native Vegetation Regulatory Mapping and the so-called ‘Pink Zones’ – and now they are coming for Land Rights.”
“Let’s be clear – a key driver of this Bill is to overturn the High Court’s Quarry Street decision. That sets a dangerous precedent for retrospective law-making, and every person in this State should be alarmed.”
“The claim that this Bill won’t affect the broader community is simply not true. Local councils, regional landholders and neighbouring property owners will all be impacted by expanded Ministerial powers that go well beyond those of ordinary landholders.”
“This is not just about Aboriginal Land Rights. We are the canary in the coal mine. If governments can do this here, the real question is – where does it stop, and who is next?”
NSWALC CEO, Clare McHugh, said it’s deeply concerning to see the NSW Government pursuing such a regressive policy initiative.
“At a time when we are seeing rights rolled back across the world, it is deeply concerning to see the NSW Government heading in the same direction. This Bill signals a shift away from protecting rights and toward expanding unchecked government power.”
“The erosion of rights and expansion of government powers, which has been pushed through without proper consultation, is completely at odds with the rule of law and basic democratic process.”
“This is not how good law is made. This is not a fair go. The people of NSW should be concerned with the approach the NSW Government is taking.”
NSWALC remains hopeful that Premier Minns and his Government will come to their senses.
NSWALC is encouraging all Aboriginal people and Allies to stay informed, raise awareness locally, and engage with their local MPs.
More information about the proposed Bill can be found at https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/bills/Pages/bill-details.aspx?pk=18878
| NSWALC is the State’s peak representative body in Aboriginal Affairs and aims to protect the interests and further the aspirations of the 121 NSW Local Aboriginal Land Councils and the broader Aboriginal community. It was established in the 1970s to assist in the fight for land rights and was formally constituted as a statutory corporation under the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Rights Act in 1983. NSWALC is the largest member-based Aboriginal organisation in NSW. |