Public Statement

The NSW AECG will reduce its involvement in Closing the Gap to only participate on matters relating to Education and Training in NSW.

The NSW Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (AECG)’s State Committee, at its recent meeting on 19 and 20 June 2026, agreed to formally stand with the NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Network in opposition to the introduction of the Crown Land Management Amendment Bill 2026 (the Bill).

The State Committee raised concerns about the potential impact the proposed Bill will have in eroding self-determination and undermining the cultural, social and economic future of Aboriginal people and communities throughout NSW. The Bill, if passed, will also affect the numerous educational programs being delivered at a local level in partnership with Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

The process undertaken by Crown Lands during the introduction of this Bill completely disregards the commitments and priority reforms that uphold the Closing the Gap partnership here in NSW.

What does this mean?

The NSW AECG will reduce its involvement in Closing the Gap to only participate on matters relating to Education and Training in NSW. This represents a shift from its previous approach, in which the NSW AECG participated extensively in other NSW Closing the Gap shared decision-making forums.

As the peak advisory body on all matters relating to Education and Training in NSW, the NSW AECG will remain a committed member of NSW CAPO (Coalition of Aboriginal Peak Organisations) and continue our strong partnership with the NSW Department of Education and TAFE NSW.

Upholding our current Partnership Agreements

The NSW AECG acknowledges our genuine partnerships with the NSW Government, which predates the Closing the Gap agreement and will exist well beyond it. Therefore, our commitment to both the NSW Department of Education and TAFE NSW partnership agreements remain unwavering and will not be affected by the current reduction in participation with the Closing the Gap framework.

We will continue to work closely with the NSW Deputy Premier and Minister of Education and Early Learning, Minister for Skills and Training, as well as the Secretary, NSW Department of Education and the Managing Director of TAFE NSW to not only uphold, but strengthen our longstanding relationship.

Some members of the NSW AECG Secretariat and AMC showing support for NSW Aboriginal Land Rights Network.