NSW Aboriginal Land Council

19/06/2026

Proposed amendments to the Crown Land Amendment Bill have been circulated from the NSW Government.

We are currently reviewing the amendments against the Network’s advocated position.

The Government is seeking feedback on the proposed amendments by 17 July 2026. While NSWALC welcomes the decision by the NSW Government to consult the Network on these changes, NSWALC notes that this is less than a month for the Network to consider the amendments, receive advice and provide a unified response back to government. For that reason, NSWALC calls on the NSW Government to extend this timeframe for feedback by a minimum of two weeks (to the 31 July 2026) to support more meaningful analysis and consultation with Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

NSWALC remains committed to advocating on behalf of the Network and Aboriginal Communities across NSW. We will continue to push for fair and meaningful amendments, genuine consultation, and outcomes that appropriately recognise and protect Aboriginal rights and interests.

For more information, read the Network Message by clicking the link below.

https://alc.org.au/newsroom/network-messages/crown-lands-bill-update-proposed-amendments-received-by-nswalc/

19/06/2026

NSWALC extends its sincere gratitude and congratulations to Dr Melissa Williams, CEO of the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council, who has just been awarded the 2026 ZEST Award for Outstanding Community Sector Leader.

CEO Dr Williams has been deservedly recognised for her long-standing commitments to Aboriginal self-determination, Aboriginal-led decision-making, and cultural integrity.

We thank her for her outstanding commitment to the Gandangara LALC and the wider NSW Aboriginal Community.

Congratulations to Dr Melissa Williams – Winner of the 2026 ZEST Award for Outstanding Community Sector Leader!

Dr Melissa Williams, a proud Bundjalung woman, is a visionary leader driving community-led change across South Western Sydney. As CEO of the Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council, she leads with cultural integrity, care, and a deep commitment to self-determination, ensuring community voices drive decision-making and service delivery. Her work is deeply grounded in strengthening access to culturally safe services, supporting healing on Country, and fostering connection, belonging, and pride.

A heartfelt thank you for the meaningful change you lead, and congratulations to Dr Williams!

Proudly led by Western Sydney Community Forum

Event partners:
City of Parramatta
Link Wentworth Housing
Western Sydney University

Business NSW and Business Western Sydney
City of Canterbury Bankstown
Encore
GEMA GROUP
Multicultural NSW
NSW Council of Social Service - NCOSS
NSW Premier’s Department
SSI - Settlement Services International
Western Sydney International Airport
Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue

19/06/2026

After 18 years of dedication and persistence and three years of collaborative negotiation, the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) has secured ownership of 3.79 hectares of Land within Byron Bay’s Sandhills precinct.

The transferred land forms part of the broader 13-hectare Sandhills Estate, situated near the Byron Bay CBD, and was previously used for sand mining. The claimed land also houses the police station on Shirley Street and the fire and rescue on Kingsley Street, making the agreement part of a $28 million emergency services precinct project.

This land acquisition is more than a legal victory; it is a catalyst for future social and economic development. By securing this site, the Tweed Byron LALC has reached a significant milestone in its pursuit of self-determination and long-term sustainability, demonstrating that Land remains a vital avenue for justice. However, this success also stands as a stark reminder that Aboriginal Land Rights are increasingly vulnerable following the NSW Government's introduction of the Crown Land Management Amendment (Statutory Review) Bill 2026.

The achievement of this Aboriginal Land Agreement (ALA) was underpinned by strong leadership and a commitment to collaborative negotiation. It delivers meaningful, mutual benefits for all stakeholders, including the Tweed Byron LALC, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), Byron Shire Council, and emergency services.



Image 1 credit: Jeff Dawson, Byron Shire Echo
Image 2 credit: Byron Shire Council

18/06/2026

The Crown Land Management Amendment Bill 2026 was introduced by the Minns-Kamper Government on 17 March 2026, with no prior consultation with Aboriginal Communities or representative groups.

In its current form, the Bill will significantly overhaul the Crown land management system in NSW. This system currently enables Aboriginal Land Councils to lodge land claims and secure better outcomes for their Communities. The Bill also threatens to undermine the only legislation in NSW that recognises and protects Aboriginal Land Rights, the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983.

In August, we will learn the future of this Bill and the future of our Land Rights.
NSWALC urgently needs your support in opposing this Bill. It's not too late to have your say. Sign the petition today via the link in our bio.

For more information about the Crown Land Management Amendment Bill 2026 and how you can help, visit the NSWALC website.

17/06/2026

“For a lot of youth, it’s ‘we want to care for our Country’ but we want to do this economically and develop things as well.”

Co-Chair of NSWALC’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), Illarrah Roberts, talks about the next generation’s ideas for the future of Land Rights and the importance of initatives like the Junior Rangers Program.

Watch the full episode now on SBS On Demand via the link in our bio.

16/06/2026

"NSWALC Northern Region Councillor Charles Lynch said the development would provide much-needed housing opportunities for Aboriginal families while creating lasting community infrastructure for future generations.

The duplexes represent more than just new buildings. They are the result of Aboriginal-owned land being utilised to
deliver safe, secure and affordable housing for local people, while strengthening the long-term social and economic
wellbeing of the community."

Thank you Glen Innes News for your coverage of our launch of two newly finished homes in Glen Innes earlier this month. These homes were the result of proactive collaboration between NSWALC and the Glen Innes Local Aboriginal Land Council, as well as the Social Housing Accelerator Fund (SHAF).

Under the Crown Land Management Amendment Bill 2026, projects like this become increasingly difficult, which is why NSWALC remains entirely opposed to the Bill. NSWALC has always aimed to protect and advocate for the interests and aspirations of its members and Aboriginal Communities across the state, which is why we will continue to fight for Aboriginal Land Rights in NSW.

15/06/2026

"Housing is more than bricks and mortar. A safe home provides the foundation for better health outcomes, stronger educational participation, improved employment opportunities and stronger family and community connections. For Aboriginal people, housing is also connected to culture, identity and Country. That is why Aboriginal-led housing matters."

Last week in Redfern, NSWALC CEO Clare McHugh delivered a speech celebrating a significant milestone for Birribee Housing, NSWALC, Local Aboriginal Land Councils, and Aboriginal communities across NSW.

The occasion marked Birribee Housing’s achievement of Tier 1 registration under the National Regulatory System for Community Housing.

This achievement reflects Birribee Housing’s capacity, strong governance, financial viability, expertise and trusted leadership, and demonstrates what is possible when Aboriginal communities are empowered to lead.

It also highlights the shared commitment of Birribee Housing, NSWALC and Local Aboriginal Land Councils to ensuring Aboriginal people have access to the safe, affordable and culturally appropriate housing they deserve.

15/06/2026

“This Aboriginal Land Agreement (ALA) demonstrates strong leadership and productive collaboration, delivering mutual benefits for all parties involved, including the Tweed Byron LALC, NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), Byron Shire Council, and emergency services stakeholders.”

Thank you to the Clarence Valley Independent for publishing this story regarding the Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and its recent land claim, securing of 3.79 hectares of land within the Sandhills precinct of Byron Bay.

Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) has secured ownership of 3.79 hectares of land within the Sandhills precinct in Byron Bay.

12/06/2026

Official Media Statement from NSWALC regarding the decision to pause Closing the Gap governance forum attendance until the NSW Government delivers proposed amendments following the Crown Land Management Amendment Bill 2026.

Read our full statement above.

12/06/2026

In an extraordinary Council Meeting held on Thursday, 11 June, 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 wishes to reassure the Network that it remains completely opposed to the Bill in its current form.