22 March, 2026
NSWALC is calling on the Aboriginal Land Rights Network to activate and stay informed regarding the Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 (the Bill).
The Bill undermines the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) and has real consequences for our Communities.
We need our mob to activate.
We have consolidated information about the Bill and also included a template letter for you to send to your local MP. Please read and let us know if you have any questions or need anything from us to support.
We have also created a petition for you and your members to sign. This is linked HERE for you.
NSWALC staunchly opposes the discriminatory elements of the Bill. Our fight continues.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss further, please contact the Strategy and Policy Unit – policy@alc.org.au.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT HAS HAPPENED?
The NSW Government introduced the Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 without notification or consultation with the Aboriginal Land Rights network or stakeholders.
While described as “minor”, the Bill includes changes that will significantly undermine the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA).
WHY THIS MATTERS:
The ALRA allows Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) to claim Crown Land that is:
● Unused
● Not needed
● Being used unlawfully.
This land provides opportunities to build housing, create jobs and promote economic development.
Despite this, there are more than 43,500 unresolved land claims. The number of claims processed per year are at historic lows and Local Aboriginal Land Councils are facing barriers to housing and land activation.
ISSUES WITH THE PROPOSED BILL
1. THE BILL REDEFINES AND UNDER LEASE AS LAND UNDER LAWFUL USE
This Bill says a lease alone (without any physical activity on the land) makes land “lawfully used”.
Why this is a problem:
● Under this Bill, the Government has the ability to block land claims, even where land isn’t genuinely used.
This directly contravenes the High Court’ decision around Quarry St which was recently handed back to La Perouse LALC.
2. RETROSPECTIVE POWERS
This Bill gives the NSW Government the power to overturn existing land claims by allowing them to retrospectively validate unlawful leases/licences, making them lawful.
Why this is a problem:
● Laws will be applied retrospectively.
● This could be used to defeat existing land claims.
● It removes accountability for unlawful decisions.
NSWALC’S POSITION
● These provisions are discriminatory.
● Laws should not override High Court decisions.
● Crown land should be managed lawfully from the start.
● Land rights must be protected, not weakened.
LOCAL ABORIGINAL LAND COUNCILS AND MEMBERS SHOULD
● Stay informed – NSWALC will continue to provide updates as the Bill progresses
● Raise awareness locally – ensure your Boards and members understand the potential impacts
● Engage with your local MPs – reinforce the importance of protecting the ALRA and opposing provisions that undermine land rights
● Provide feedback to NSWALC – particularly where you can identify potential impacts on current or future land claims in your area
● Sign the petition – join the fight against the Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026.