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Working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Aboriginal Land Commissioner

The Aboriginal Land Commissioner is a statutory officer of the Commonwealth.

The Commissioner’s functions are detailed in the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (the Act).

The key functions of the Commissioner under section 50 of the Act shows the Commissioner’s functions to be:

  • undertaking inquiries into traditional land claims in the Northern Territory (NT)

  • providing reports to the relevant Commonwealth Minister and the Administrator of the NT including findings on Traditional Aboriginal Ownership and recommendations relating to the grant of Aboriginal land

  • providing advice to the Commonwealth Minister on any matter relevant to the Act

The Commonwealth Minister has responsibilities to consider land claim reports by the Commissioner and other relevant matters, including potential detriment to stakeholders, before deciding whether to proceed with a recommended grant of land for the benefit of Aboriginal people.

On 28 September 2023, the Honourable Justice Jenny Blokland was appointed as the Aboriginal Land Commissioner on a part time basis for a two year term by the Governor-General, His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC.

The Hon JR Mansfield AM KC also holds the office of Aboriginal Land Commissioner on a part-time basis for the purpose of completing unfinished land claim inquiries.

Archived Reports of the Aboriginal Land Commissioner to 2013

Review of Part V of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976

In April 2022 the Minister for Indigenous Australians requested the Aboriginal Land Commissioner  to conduct a review of Part V of the Act. Part V deals with the functions and responsibilities of Aboriginal Land Commissioners.

On 30 June 2023, the Commissioner provided the Minister for Indigenous Australians with a report and recommendations in accordance with the Terms of Reference of the review.

Further information on the review can be found in the following documents.

Detriment Review 2017-2018

In 2017 the Minister for Indigenous Affairs sought advice from the Aboriginal Land Commissioner on detriment issues relating to 16 land claims recommended for grant between 1981 to 2004, which were not yet finalised.

On 24 December 2018 the Commissioner provided the former Minister with recommendations in accordance with the Terms of Reference. The Report was tabled in the House of Representatives of the Australian Parliament on 21 February 2019.

Further information on the review can be found in the following documents.

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