28 May, 2023
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC) met for its 443rd meeting in Parramatta on Wednesday 17 May 2023.
A number of topics were discussed, including NSWALC’s revised Land Dealing Policy, the Justice Connect LALC Lawyer Program and subsidiary companies Yilabara Solutions and Birribee Housing.
NSWALC Councillors Welcome the New Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty
The NSWALC Council met with the Hon David Harris, MP and congratulated him on his appointment as the new Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty.
Council and the Minister discussed a number of important areas including the Government’s commitment to the two major priority areas of Cultural Fishing and Culture & Heritage, arrangements for the next NSWALC election and improving supply of social and affordable housing for Aboriginal communities.
Land Dealings Policy
The NSWALC Council approved and adopted the revised NSWALC Policy on the Assessment and Approval of Local Aboriginal Land Council Land Dealings (Land Dealings Policy)pursuant to Division 4 of Part 2 of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA).
The Land Dealings Policy takes into account amendments to the ALRA, which came into effect on 25 November 2022 and is published on the NSWALC website here.
Network Services – Community Outcomes
Councillors discussed the importance of aligning our functions to focus on supporting the Network with Economic Development opportunities across communities.
A major focus is continuing to deliver support to the Network and strategically identifying opportunities for growth through NSWALC’s new Community Outcomes delivery model that will commence across the network from 1 July 2023.
2023-24 Financial Budget
Council approved the 2023-24 Financial Year Budget , pursuant to section 152C of the ALRA.
Investment Update
The Council received the NSWALC Investment Fund report for the month ending April 2023, which recorded a 1% return for the period and 5.1% for the previous 12 months.
The Investment Fund recorded 7.9%, 5.1% and 6.7% for the previous three, five and 10-year periods.
Council also approved a new Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA) for the Investment Fund, to improve the Fund’s risk and return characteristics, as well as the probability of achieving its investment objective.
And fixed interest manager Ardea was replaced in the portfolio by Vanguard, to better position the portfolio to benefit from a higher interest rate environment.
Birribee Housing and Yilabara Solutions
The Council approved updates to the Strategic and Governance Charters for subsidiary companies Yilabara Solutions and Birribee Housing,
Both Charters provide guidance on the companies’ strategic directions and their governance and reporting relationships with Council.
Communication protocols between NSWALC and the two companies have also been developed and were approved at the Council meeting.
NSWALC undertook a review of the two sets of charters in 2022 in consultation with the companies, and the updates reflect the growth of the companies and refined reporting arrangements.
Justice Connect
Council resolved to fund the LALC Lawyer Program with Justice Connect for a further three year term.
The LALC Lawyer Program provides independent legal advice and services to Local Aboriginal Land Council and access to a panel of law firms that undertake legal services to LALCs on a pro bono basis.
The Program commenced in 2017 to deliver free, practical and culturally appropriate legal assistance to LALCs via legal advice, information, training or referrals.
LALCs that need legal advice or services can contact senior lawyer Andrea Rogers at Justice Connect on Andrea.Rogers@justiceconnect.org.au.