The object of this law was stated as to 'amend' *National parks and Wildlife Act 1974* to provide for Aboriginal ownership of land or Aboriginal cultural significance reserved or dedicated under that Act... and for other purposes.'

*National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Aboriginal Ownership) Act 1996* (NSW)

From 1879, laws set aside areas of land as National Parks. They did not include provisions for the involvement of Aboriginal people in their management.  In recent decades, laws and policies have introduced mechanisms that facilitate Aboriginal people’s ownership and co-management of some National Parks.

National Parks

Aboriginal land rights laws began in NSW in 1983. The law did not initially recognise water rights although some land held by Aboriginal Land Councils in NSW has included water entitlements.

Aboriginal land rights and water

In 1983, The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) (ALRA) (DOC0489) created Aboriginal Land Councils in NSW to own and manage land. The ALRA also introduced a mechanism for Aboriginal people, through Aboriginal Land Councils to make agreements to access private land for hunting and fishing.

Aboriginal land rights and hunting and fishing

Laws and policies creating and regulating conservation areas have both impeded and facilitated Aboriginal hunting, fishing and gathering.

Document

National Parks and Wildlife Amendment (Aboriginal Ownership) Act 1996 (NSW)

WARNING!