

Making Complex Terms Easy to Understand
Key Terms & Glossary
A comprehensive list of key terms and definitions related to Aboriginal land rights, public land administration, and economic development. Use this glossary to better understand the terminology used in land management and policy discussions.
Aboriginal Land Agreements (ALA)
Agreements between Aboriginal Land Councils and government or private entities for the use, transfer, or management of land.
Aboriginal Land Rights (ALR)
The legal recognition of Aboriginal peoples’ traditional ownership of land, enabling them to claim and manage land through Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs).
Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (ALRA)
The key piece of legislation in New South Wales that governs Aboriginal land rights, providing a framework for Aboriginal people to claim land and establish Local Aboriginal Land Councils (LALCs).
Aboriginal Leadership Development
Aboriginal Leadership Development – Initiatives aimed at nurturing and supporting emerging Aboriginal leaders in governance, business, and community advocacy.
Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC)
A Local Aboriginal Land Council representing the Awabakal people, working to secure land, economic opportunities, and community development.
Claim Ability
The potential eligibility of a parcel of land to be claimed under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act or Native Title processes. This is determined by factors such as previous land tenure, current usage, and historical government grants or dispossession.
Closing the Gap (CTG)
A government strategy aimed at reducing inequalities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians in health, education, and economic participation.
Community-Driven Investment
A funding model where financial contributions from businesses, government, and members are directed toward community development projects.
Crown Land
Public land owned and managed by the government, which can be subject to Aboriginal land claims under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW).
Development Application (DA)
A formal application submitted to a local council for approval to develop land, modify buildings, or change land use.
Digital Engagement Platform
A digital solution (e.g., mobile app, website) designed to connect LALC members with services, updates, and opportunities.
Economic Sustainability
The long-term financial viability of an organisation, achieved through diversified revenue streams, investment policies, and operational efficiencies.
Energy Brokerage
A service facilitating the buying and selling of energy contracts, helping organisations optimise energy costs and sourcing, particularly in relation to Aboriginal economic participation.
Fiduciary Responsibilities
The legal and ethical obligations of property owners, particularly community organisations, to manage rental properties in compliance with regulations and in the best interest of tenants.
Financial Transparency & Reporting
The process of ensuring accountability in revenue and expenditure through digital reporting and booking systems, such as those proposed for ALALC projects.
Hillsborough Road Negotiation
An engagement involving Awabakal LALC and Transport for NSW regarding land use and compensation for road development.
Land Claim Prioritization
The process of identifying and ranking land claims based on strategic, economic, and cultural significance for Aboriginal communities.
Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC)
Organisations established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 (NSW) to represent Aboriginal people in their respective regions and manage land claims.
Mediation Strategy
A structured approach to resolving disputes between parties, involving negotiations and legal positioning to protect the interests of Aboriginal groups.
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
A formal agreement outlining cooperation between parties, such as Aboriginal groups and government agencies, without creating legally binding obligations.
Native Title (NT)
The recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights to land and waters under Australian law, based on traditional laws and customs.
Native Title Act 1993 (NTA)
The Australian legislation governing Native Title claims and determinations, defining legal processes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land rights.
Native Title Claim
A claim by Aboriginal/Torres trait Islander people for recognition of their native title rights over traditional lands.
New Track Solutions (NTS)
A consultancy specialising in Aboriginal Land Rights, governance, stakeholder engagement, and economic development for Aboriginal communities and organisations.
Non-Claimant Application
A legal application seeking a determination that native title does not exist over a specific land parcel
Property Valuation & Marketability
The assessment of land and housing assets for financial planning, investment decisions, and social housing allocations.
Social Housing
Government or community-managed housing designed to provide affordable and secure accommodation for individuals and families with low incomes or those experiencing housing stress. Social housing often includes public housing and community housing initiatives.
Social Housing Policy
A framework outlining strategies to manage and allocate social housing within Aboriginal communities, ensuring affordability and equitable access.
Social Housing Trust
A proposed model for managing and developing housing specifically for Aboriginal communities , ensuring long-term, community-led housing solutions.
Stakeholder Engagement
The process of consulting and collaborating with key parties, including Aboriginal communities, government agencies, and private sector entities, to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Traditional Owners (TO)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have ongoing cultural and historical connections to specific lands and waters.
Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
The government agency responsible for transport infrastructure and planning in New South Wales, including negotiations affecting Aboriginal land.