NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983

The Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council was established following the introduction of the New South Wales Aboriginal Land Rights Act in 1983.

According to the preamble of the Act:

"Land in the State of New South Wales was traditionally owned and occupied by Aborigines. Land is of spiritual, social, cultural and economic importance to Aborigines. It is fitting to acknowledge the importance which land has for Aborigines and the need of Aborigines for land. It is accepted that as a result of past Government decisions the amount of land set aside for Aboriginals has been progressively reduced without compensation".

There have been a number of amendments to the Act since it was first introduced. The following links will take you to the latest version of the Act.


Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (No.42)

Aboriginal Housing Act 1998 No 47

Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NSW) - Amended 2001

Aboriginal Land Rights Regulations 2001

Aboriginal Land Rights Regulation 2002

Aboriginal Land Rights Amendment (Gandangara Estate) Act 2004 No 69