How is it funded?

Under the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Act (1983), a NSWALC Account was established.

For fifteen years, the State paid an amount equivalent to 7.5 per cent of NSW Land Tax (on non-residential land) to NSWALC, as compensation for land lost by the Aboriginal people of NSW. That annual payment ceased in 1998 when a clause in the Act, known as the Sunset Clause, took effect. Since then, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council has been self sufficient, funding its activities and supporting LALCs with the money made from its investments.

The capital, or compensation accumulated over the first 15 years of the Council's existence remains in trust for the Aboriginal people of NSW and cannot be touched.

Who benefits from the funds?

Interest from NSWALC's investments fund the organisation's head office in Parramatta, which in turn oversees and funds the network of Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

NSWALC also funds land claims and purchases by Local Aboriginal Land Councils and supports the establishment of commercial enterprises which create an economic base for Aboriginal communities.

In addition to its administrative roles, NSWALC acts as the State's representative body on Aboriginal issues, providing advice to governments of all levels to ensure the preservation of Aboriginal rights. NSWALC invests money on behalf of Aboriginal people in NSW and provides grants to selected projects.

For more specific details of NSWALC's investments and finances, please download our latest Annual Report.

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