Hundreds Gather In Sydney To Oppose Crown Lands Legislation

Hundreds of people marched from Hyde Park to NSW Parliament on Wednesday to protest proposed changes to Crown lands legislation, with Aboriginal land councils arguing the bill would weaken land rights protections across the state.

The rally was organised by the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and drew representatives from Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs) and supporters from across New South Wales. Protesters carried signs and chanted outside Parliament House as opposition to the proposed amendments intensified.

According to the National Indigenous Times, more than 92 per cent of Aboriginal land councils across the state have condemned the bill, arguing it threatens tens of thousands of land claims.

The legislation, introduced in March by the NSW Government, proposes amendments to Crown lands processes. The government previously delayed debate on the bill after backlash from Aboriginal organisations and community groups.

NSW Aboriginal Land Council Chairperson Councillor Yvonne Weldon said land rights were central to Aboriginal communities. “We will not be a political pawn,” she said. “Land rights mean everything to us.”

In a statement released ahead of the protest, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council said the “overwhelming majority” of the state’s land rights network supported continued opposition to the legislation. The organisation said the bill could undermine the operation of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act and reduce opportunities for land claims.

The protest follows further escalation in the dispute between the NSW Government and Aboriginal land councils. Last month, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council lodged a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission alleging the proposed changes were discriminatory.

The NSW Government has previously said the proposed amendments are intended to clarify administrative processes relating to Crown land management. Debate over the bill is expected to continue in coming weeks as Aboriginal land councils maintain pressure on the government to withdraw the legislation.