Our structure

The NLC’s operations are managed by four divisions:

Land & Law

The Land & Law division comprises Legal Services, Anthropology and the Resources & Energy branches. The division identifies and consults with Traditional Owners to secure and protect their rights and interests in land and sea. The team provides legal advice to the NLC and Traditional Owners, conducts land rights and native title claims, negotiates agreements and pursues litigation where appropriate. It also provides advice and oversight of the NLC’s obligations regarding mineral and petroleum exploration, production and associated activities as they relate to the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act and the Native Title Act.

Projects, Planning & Land Management

The Projects, Planning and Land Management division is made up of the Caring for Country, Community Planning and Development, Learning on Country and Joint Management. The Caring for Country branch hosts and provides administrative support to land and sea ranger groups across the NLC region, provides policy support and advice on land and sea management issues and supports joint management of national parks. The Community Planning and Development branch supports Aboriginal land-owning groups to use payments from land use agreements to drive their own development and secure lasting benefits from their land, waters and seas.

Regional Development

The Regional Development branch is responsible for managing the NLC’s network of regional offices beyond Darwin and performs a number of services in our remote communities. It coordinates funding allocations for ceremonies and funerals, processes permit applications and facilitates the Section 19 proposal and assessment approval process across the region. The division also leads a number of priority projects including regionalisation and the Blue Mud Bay & Sea Country division.

Corporate Services

The Corporate Services division provides financial and information communications technology (ICT) management across the NLC. It is also responsible for assets, fleet, infrastructure and facility management throughout our region and royalties. The People & Culture division supports the NLC’s diverse and growing workforce. It is responsible for the entire suite of human resources, including recruitment, industrial relations, payroll, learning and development and work health safety. The division is also responsible for information management, which includes archiving, records management and library services.