News & Publications
Biosecurity Zones are needed to slow the spread of COVID
Feb 3, 2022
The NLC welcomes the decision by the Commonwealth government, with the support of the NT government, to establish a series of Biosecurity Zones across the NLC area.
Northern Land Council congratulates Alan Young Najukpayi, OAM
Jan 26, 2022
The NLC congratulates Mr Young Najukpayi from Yarralin following the news that he has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM).
Northern Land Council: we need water management systems for this century, not the last one
Jan 21, 2022
The NLC calls on the NT government to bring its water management system into the 21st century and in line with its commitments to Aboriginal Territorians.
An update on NLC meetings and offices
Jan 18, 2022
The NLC's Accountable Authority* has issued a Direction to NLC staff that all meetings scheduled by the NLC will be postponed until further notice.
The NLC welcomes the appointment of Joe Martin-Jard as CEO
Dec 22, 2021
The Chair of the NLC, Mr Samuel Bush-Blanasi, today announced the appointment Mr Joe Martin-Jard as Chief Executive Officer.
‘We’ve got to save our kids from Covid’ - a message from NLC Chairman Samuel Bush-Blanasi
Dec 14, 2021
There is nothing more important to Aboriginal Territorians than family.
Northern Land Council welcomes appointment of new NT Acting Treaty Commissioner
Dec 9, 2021
The Northern Land Council welcomes the appointment of Tony McAvoy SC to the role of Acting Treaty Commissioner in the Northern Territory.
Aboriginal Intertidal Waters Access Map updated following consultations with Traditional Owners
Dec 3, 2021
Recreational fishers will have access to more areas of Aboriginal sea country in the Northern Territory following extensive consultations between the Northern Land Council and Traditional Owners.
The Northern Land Council welcomes historic reforms to the Land Rights Act
Dec 1, 2021
The Northern Land Council today welcomes the passage of a historic set of reforms to the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
Vale Mr David Dalaithngu - ‘an ambassador of Indigenous culture’
Nov 30, 2021
It is with deep sadness that the Northern Land Council acknowledges the passing of Mr David Dalaithngu.
Stay put: stop putting us at risk by moving around
Nov 19, 2021
With the COVID-19 outbreak in the Northern Territory still growing, the Northern Land Council is calling on all people in the Territory to not enter or leave Aboriginal communities unless it is absolutely necessary.
Don’t make decisions about us without us
Nov 11, 2021
The Northern Land Council supports the call by the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of the Northern Territory (AMSANT) that a safe reopening of the Northern Territory must be based on a number of key principles and actions.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for NLC permits from 12 November 2021
Nov 10, 2021
In accordance with the NT Chief Health Officer’s Direction No 55 of 13 October 2021, from 12 November 2021 the NLC will require its staff, and all workers on Aboriginal land, to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Statement concerning allegations of COVID-19 vaccination payments
Nov 8, 2021
Below is a statement from the NLC concerning allegations made over the weekend that the NLC had made payments for people getting COVID-19 vaccinations. Those statements were false and had no basis in fact.
NLC to Chief Minister Gunner: “Don’t throw Aboriginal Territorians under the National Plan bus”
Oct 13, 2021
The Northern Land Council – and other NT land councils and Aboriginal health peak bodies like AMSANT and NACCHO – has worked closely with the NT and Federal governments to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our most vulnerable populations, particularly Aboriginal Territorians living in remote communities and homelands.
The NLC supports call by Aboriginal health peak body for 90% vaccination rates
Sep 9, 2021
The NLC supports the call from AMSANT for a minimum Aboriginal vaccination rate of 90% across the NT before borders are opened.
Vale Mr J Wave Hill – the Northern Land Council mourns the passing of one of the leaders of the land rights movement
Aug 26, 2021
The Northern Land Council mourns the passing of Mr Wave Hill, who died on 25 August 2021, aged 85.
The NLC welcomes historic reforms to the Land Rights Act
Aug 25, 2021
The NLC welcomes the introduction today in Parliament of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Amendment (Economic Empowerment) Bill 2021.
Changes to the NLC’s temporary suspension of permits to enter Aboriginal Land
Aug 19, 2021
The NLC's temporary suspension of permits to enter and remain on Aboriginal Land in the NLC area has been lifted for permit holders that are not affected by the extended Katherine lockdown.
Northern Land Council suspends permits from midday today
Aug 16, 2021
The NLC has today suspended permits to enter and remain on Aboriginal Land in the NLC region from 12 midday on Monday 16 August 2021 until further notice.
Travel advice within the NLC region – update as at 16 August 2021
Aug 16, 2021
In response to the COVID-19 event in the Greater Darwin and Katherine regions all permits to enter and remain on Aboriginal Land in the NLC region are suspended from 12 midday on 16 August 2021 until further notice.
Northern Land Council: permit suspension ends at 1pm today
Jul 9, 2021
The NLC’s temporary suspension of permits to enter and remain on Aboriginal Land in the Top End will be lifted at 1pm today.
Trebul infameishin bla NLC eriya (Kriol version of NLC’s COVID-19 travel advice - updated version)
Jul 6, 2021
Dijan stori brom Julai 2, 2021
Travel advice within the NLC region - update
Jul 2, 2021
In response to the COVID-19 outbreak in the Northern Territory all permits to enter and remain on Aboriginal Land in the NLC region remain suspended until 1pm Friday 9 July 2021.
The NLC extends permit suspension to 1pm Friday 9 July
Jul 2, 2021
The Northern Land Council has today extended the suspension of permits to enter and remain on Aboriginal Land to 1pm on Friday 9 July 2021.
Cahill’s Crossing to close as of sunrise on Friday 2 July
Jul 1, 2021
The NLC advises that the NT government’s Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics will close Cahill’s Crossing at the request of Traditional Owners effective at sunrise Friday 2 July 2021.
NLC -wuŋ dhäwu COVID-19buy (Yolngu Matha version of NLC’s COVID-19 travel advice)
Jul 1, 2021
Dhäwu dhipali banydji Darwinlil ga dhipali Communitieslil ga Homelandslil mala.
Northern Land Council rolls out COVID-19 travel advice in language, with Kriol first off the block
Jun 30, 2021
In a rapid response to the emerging COVID-19 concerns in the Northern Territory the Northern Land Council has produced new material in the Kriol language, spoken throughout much of the southern parts of the NLC area.
Trebul infameishin bla NLC eriya (Kriol version of NLC’s COVID-19 travel advice)
Jun 30, 2021
Dumaji Korounabairis / Covid-19 bin gamat iya la NT, NLC bin tok nobodi kaan yusum NLC permit brom Sandei Jun 27 raitap Fraidei Julai 2, 2021.
COVID-19: Travel advice within the NLC region (English version)
Jun 30, 2021
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak in the Northern Territory, the NLC has suspended all permits from Sunday 27 June until Friday 2 July 2021.
Northern Land Council extends permit suspension to Friday
Jun 29, 2021
The NLC has today extended the suspension of permits to enter and remain on Aboriginal Land to 1pm on Friday 2 July 2021.
A message to our mob from the Northern, Tiwi and Anindilyakwa Aboriginal Land Councils and AMSANT
Jun 28, 2021
Today NT Chief Minister Gunner advised that the NT lockdown would be extended for a further 72 hours until 1pm on Friday 2nd July 2021.
COVID-19 lockdown - Northern Land Council says ‘Stay Safe, Stay on Country, Care for Family’
Jun 27, 2021
Earlier today the Northern Territory Government declared that Darwin, Palmerston and Litchfield local government areas will enter a full lockdown for 48 hours effective from 1pm on Sunday 27 June 2021.
NLC challenge overturns unsustainable water licence decision
Jun 24, 2021
The announcement this week that a 10,000-megalitre water extraction licence in the Larrimah area has been revoked is a win for the environment and future generations of Territorians.
The Australian Electoral Commission must restore the NT Electoral Roll for remote Territorians
Jun 22, 2021
The Northern Land Council applauds the efforts of Aboriginal Territorians Matthew Ryan of Maningrida and Ross Mandi of Galiwin’ku in lodging a complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission about the failure of the Australian Electoral Commission to undertake the most basic task that the Commonwealth Parliament has given it – to ensure that all Australian voters are enrolled to vote.
NLC calls for urgent action on water security for our mob
Apr 22, 2021
The NLC welcomes the announcement by the NT Government today that $28 million will be invested to improve water security in Aboriginal communities in the NT. However, while it’s good to see progress, as always the NT Government has remained silent on water security across all rural and remote communities.
Striking a fair balance between TOs’ sea country rights and access for recreational fishers
Feb 28, 2021
The Northern Land Council has introduced a simple and free registration process for recreational fishers to access areas of Aboriginal sea country.
The NLC’s women ranger employment program wins human rights award
Dec 11, 2020
The Caring for Country Branch’s Women’s Employment Program has received an award at the 2020 NT Human Rights Awards.
