NSW Aboriginal Languages Legislation

The NSW Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 became law on 24 October 2017 and is the first legislation in Australia to acknowledge the significance of First Languages. The Act commenced on 5 March 2020.

alt legislation web

circle image

NSW Aboriginal Languages Legislation

Aboriginal languages are important to NSW First Peoples and all people in NSW. We want Aboriginal languages to be spoken by future generations of First Peoples.

The Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 seeks to promote, reawaken, nurture and grow Aboriginal languages across NSW. Aboriginal languages strengthen connections with culture and identity and improves the wellbeing of First Peoples.

The Aboriginal Languages Act 2017 has three parts:

  • A preamble which acknowledges the importance of Aboriginal languages and the importance of reawakening, nurturing and growing Aboriginal languages and Aboriginal custodianship of languages.
  • Establishment of an Aboriginal Languages Trust to resource local language activities (amongst other functions).
  • A 5-year Strategic Plan to guide investment and activities in language revival in NSW.

Independent Facilitator's Report on Round One Consultations

Aboriginal Languages Act

Independent Facilitator's Report on Round One Consultations

Aboriginal Languages Act

There’s exciting progress being made within the NSW Aboriginal Languages space. Join our mailing list to stay across all the action or email us for further enquiries.