New South Wales Passes Controversial Crown Land Management Bill

The Parliament of New South Wales passed the Crown Land Management Amendment bill on Wednesday, granting the lands minister authority to retrospectively vary land tenures. The legislation has triggered a sharp conflict between the state government and traditional owners over the future of crown land.

Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, defended the reforms as a necessary measure to prevent community land from being transferred to private ownership or repurposed for housing. The government asserts that the bill includes amendments to ensure sporting and community facilities remain in public hands for their intended uses.

In response, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council suspended its participation in national closing the gap agreements. The council argues the bill reduces the volume of crown land available for claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 and claims the government failed to conduct proper consultations. Council Chair Raymond Kelly characterized the legislative process as lacking transparency and good faith.