20 March, 2026
Following discussions yesterday with the Minns Labor Government and Members of Parliament, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) confirms that Aboriginal Land Rights in NSW is under attack following the introduction of a recent Bill by the Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper and his Office.
Without consultation or notice the Crown Lands Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026 (the Bill) was introduced in Parliament under the guise of “miscellaneous minor amendments”. They are not minor.
This is an attack by stealth. The NSW Government deliberately introduced an amendment to another Bill to hollow out our rights under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA) – one of the most significant land restitution frameworks in Australia.
If passed, the changes will erode Land Rights in NSW and overturn more than 40 years of hard work by the Aboriginal Land Rights Network to return land to our people.
The ALRA provides that land is claimable in NSW when it is unused and unneeded Crown land. This is the foundation upon which land is returned to us to enable economic, social and cultural outcomes for our Communities.
The proposed changes will override the decision of the High Court in Quarry Street which reconfirmed the long-settled law that the “lawful use” of Crown land in relation to the ALRA, must include the land being physically used and that simply holding a lease over land does not mean a land claim can be refused.
The proposed changes will give the NSW Government broad powers to retrospectively validate unlawful leases issued by the Minister. No other law in NSW deals with the “lawful use” of Crown land. There is no need for the provisions to have a retrospective effect, other than to defeat Aboriginal land claims.
The way the Bill has been introduced into Parliament – the lack of notice, its technical nature, being messaged as “administrative” changes only – is purposely designed to be a quiet attack on Land Rights.
Representatives of NSWALC met with both the Premier’s Office and ministerial teams to oppose the introduction of the Bill. These meetings fell on deaf ears – including with the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris.
We encourage all Aboriginal People and our Allies to
- 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
For more than 40 years, NSWALC has fought for the rights and recognition of our people. Today is no different.
Without notice, Aboriginal rights are under threat. Our rights are being challenged. Once again, we must stand together in a call to amend every egregious aspect of the Bill.
NSWALC staunchly opposes these changes and will do everything we can to halt its progress. 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.