The objective of this audit is to assess the effectiveness of the governance of the Northern Land Council under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Aboriginal Land Rights Act), Native Title Act 1993 (Native Title Act) and Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 (PGPA Act).

Land Councils play an important role in securing rights and realising benefits for Aboriginal constituents. Many external stakeholders, including government entities, non-government organisations, and Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, rely on the efficient and effective operation of the Land Councils.

Key findings:

• The Northern Land Council’s governance arrangements under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976, Native Title Act 1993 and Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 are largely effective.
• Land Council decision-making authority is exercised under multiple pieces of legislation. The delegation of functions and powers under this legislative framework is complex. The NLC has delegated its functions and powers under the ALRA and NTA through two instruments of delegation. The purpose of a ‘Financial Delegations Policy’ is unclear and it is not appropriately endorsed. Greater clarity is required for the Northern Territory (NT) Land Councils in relation to how accountable authority delegations are required to be implemented under the two Acts.
• The NLC’s governance arrangements under the ALRA and NTA are largely effective. The establishment and governance of the Council and its committees complies with legislative requirements. Poor record-keeping reduces transparency over the Council member nomination process and the validity of the constitution of the Council. The transparency of other decision-making arrangements could be improved.