469th NSWALC Council Meeting

15 May, 2025

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) met for its 469th meeting commencing Wednesday, 7 May 2025 to Thursday, 8 May 2025.

Over the two days, Councillors participated in a strategic workshop and discussed the critical challenges and opportunities faced by NSWALC, LALCs and communities toward achieving the goals outlined in the Strategic Plan 2022-26.

Council also reflected on the recent Federal Election result, discussing opportunities to support strategic programs moving forward.

Strategic Workshop – 7 May 2025

2025-26 FY Budget

Summary

Council reviewed the NSWALC draft Budget for FY 2025-26, drafted in consultation with all NSWALC Teams. Budget discussion focused on achieving operational efficiency and sustainable expenditure as NSWALC moves into the final year of the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan.

Outcome

Council provided feedback on the draft FY 2025-26 NSWALC Budget. The final budget will be tendered for approval at an Extraordinary Meeting later this month, in accordance with statutory timelines.

Meeting with the NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee

Summary

Council met with, and spent time getting to know, the members of the new newly formed NSWALC Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), setting expectations for the Committee moving forward.

Outcome

The Youth Advisory Committee was inducted and made official.

Council Meeting – 8 May 2025

Statutory Investment Fund Update

Summary

Council was updated on the performance of the Statutory Investment Fund. For the 2024/25 Financial Year to date (as of 31 March 2025), the fund has returned $30.43 million, $2.51 million under budget.

Council also discussed and approved “Steady State” Capital Market Assumptions. A “Steady State” assumption is an educated forecast about how different types of investments are expected to perform over the long term in a stable economic environment. By using these assumptions, NSWALC can build an investment portfolio that balances growth with stability, making sure it can meet its long-term goals while protecting Aboriginal land and community wealth.

Outcome

Council approved the adoption of “Steady State” Capital Market Assumptions.

Updated Delegations Policy and Procedure

Summary

Council discussed a recent delegations review undertaken by NSWALC Managers. The review focused on identifying areas to improve operational efficiency.

Outcome

Council approved the updated Delegations Policy and Procedure and noted that staff will undertake training to ensure delegations are utilised effectively across NSWALC.