12 June, 2026
CROWN LANDS UPDATE
In an extraordinary Council Meeting held on Thursday, 11 June, the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) has confirmed it will pause participation in Closing the Gap governance forums and NSW Government advisory committees, pending its consideration of the State Government’s proposed amendments to the Crown Land Management Amendment Bill 2026 (the Bill).
This decision follows critical meetings held with Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris, and Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, yesterday.
Minister Kamper confirmed that amendments to the Bill aimed at addressing serious concerns raised by NSWALC and the Land Rights Network will be circulated to Aboriginal Land Councils by the end of next week.
NSWALC will carefully consider the amendments against the preservation of Land Rights before making a formal decision on its future participation in Closing the Gap at a meeting scheduled for the end of June. Both Ministers have been invited to attend the meeting.
NSWALC wish to reassure the Network that it remains completely opposed to the Bill in its current form.
NSWALC will remain a committed member of the NSW Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations (CAPO) and will continue to support CAPO’s role as a united Aboriginal voice advocating for structural reform, Aboriginal rights and self-determination in New South Wales.
This decision does not diminish NSWALC’s commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal people, nor its dedication to ongoing advocacy, reform and collaboration with Aboriginal organisations. NSWALC will continue to pursue land rights, housing, water justice, economic development and self-determination outcomes for Aboriginal communities across NSW.
The Bill, if passed in its current form, will have devastating impacts on Aboriginal people in NSW. NSWALC will continue to communicate with the Network on any further updates relating to this matter.