Aboriginal Land Rights Commission
Woodward Royal Commission · Woodward Commission
8 February 1973 – 17 July 1974
Royal commission, conducted by Justice Edward Woodward, into appropriate ways to recognise Aboriginal land rights in the Northern Territory.
How it came into existence
Appointed in February 1973 by the Whitlam government, which had promised in its 1972 campaign to legislate for Aboriginal land rights in the Northern Territory, following the defeat of the Yolngu claimants in Milirrpum v Nabalco (1971). Edward Woodward, who had been counsel for the claimants, was sole commissioner (Aboriginal Land Rights Commissioner). The Letters Patent are dated 8 February 1973.
Changes during its life
- July 1973First report recommended that the Government help set up Aboriginal land councils; in August 1973 the Government agreed, leading to the Northern and Central Land Councils.
How it ended
The second and final report was presented in April 1974. It recommended returning Aboriginal reserves to their inhabitants, claims to other vacant Crown land on proof of traditional ties, protection of sacred sites, Aboriginal control of entry for mining and tourism, and land councils to administer Aboriginal land. Its recommendations were largely carried into the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. The Parliamentary Handbook gives 17 July 1974 as the date the final report was presented.
Main functions
- Recognition of Aboriginal land rights in the Northern Territory
- Arrangements for Aboriginal land councils
- Mining, royalties and access on Aboriginal land
Lineage
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Sources
Government records and websites
Some dates or links for this organisation are not fully confirmed. Corrections are welcome.