In 1983, the NSW Government introduced the Aboriginal Land Rights Act. This Act acknowledges the impact of past government decisions and provides a system for Aboriginal land rights.
It allows for the return of eligible Crown land to Aboriginal ownership as compensation for the loss of their land. This system is still in place today.
Aboriginal land claimants
Aboriginal land councils can lodge claims for the return of Crown land under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983. The Act recognises Aboriginal people as the traditional owners and custodians of the land in NSW. After European settlement, the government took ownership of the land, creating freehold property rights for settlers. The remaining land became Crown land, held in public trust, and used for community infrastructure like halls, roads, parks, and sports fields.
Our involvement in the claim process
Our Aboriginal Land Claim Assessment Team (ALCAT) facilitates the return of land to Aboriginal owners. They assess land claims and, if successful, transfer the land to the Aboriginal land council in freehold. This process helps Aboriginal landowners realise benefits from their land.