Our structure

The NLC’s operations are managed by four divisions:

Deputy CEO 

The Deputy CEO manages a range of NLC branches including Regional Development, Permits, Agreements and Compliance, Economic Development, Policy Advice, ICT and Project Management and Media and Communications. 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.

Land & Law

The Land & Law division comprises the Legal, Anthropology, Resources & Energy and Community Planning and Development 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. 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.

Land & Sea Management

The Land and Sea Management division is made up of the Sea Country, Caring for Country, Learning on Country and Partnerships and Enterprise Development branches. The Sea Country branch provide support and advice to Traditional Owners on the use of their sea country, and facilitates the sea country access requirements for commercial and recreational fishing, as well as fishing tour operators across the Top End of the Northern Territory. 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 Learning on Country (LoC) Program is a joint initiative between Aboriginal ranger groups and local schools across remote Top End communities, with a focus on integrating ‘both ways’ learning into school curriculums. The program is both an incubator and succession planning solution for various industry sectors involved in the sustainable use of land, sea and conservation management.

Corporate Services

The Corporate Services division provides financial, governance, HR, WHS expertise and more. It is also responsible for assets, fleet, infrastructure and facility management throughout our region and benefits distribution. 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.