14 September, 2026
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) understands that the Section 42 Amendment Bill is expected to be introduced into the NSW Parliament on Tuesday, 15 September 2026.
This is a significant and positive win for the NSWALC and the Aboriginal Land Rights Network. It is an important milestone.
Section 42 of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 restricts how Aboriginal Land Councils can deal with certain land where native title may continue to exist. In practice, the current requirements can create significant legal costs, delays and uncertainty for LALCs seeking to use, manage or develop their land.
The proposed reforms are intended to provide a clearer and more practical pathway for LALCs to activate land for housing, community, cultural and economic purposes, while maintaining appropriate protections for native title and the existing governance requirements applying to LALC land dealings.
The reforms have been shaped by many years of advocacy from NSWALC and the Network. LALCs have consistently shared their experiences of the current system and provided valuable feedback through consultations, workshops, submissions and direct discussions with NSWALC and the NSW Government.
NSWALC sincerely thanks everyone across the Network who has contributed their time, knowledge and expertise throughout this long process. Your continued advocacy and practical feedback have been essential in progressing these reforms and ensuring they respond to the needs of LALCs and their communities. We also thank NTSCORP for the extensive work we have undertaken together to support this reform.
Following its introduction, the Bill is expected to remain before Parliament for the required five-day consideration period. It is then anticipated to return for debate and a vote on Tuesday, 22 September 2026.
These dates and parliamentary timings remain subject to change. NSWALC will provide further information to the Network as soon as it becomes available, including confirmation of when the Bill will be debated.