Media release – Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania (ALCT) , 27 July 2022

Giving Land Back – a new chapter of land justice in lutruwita

The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania (ALCT) has launched the website www.givinglandback.org and for the first time ever, is proactively seeking the support of everyday people for the return of private freehold land to Aboriginal ownership and management.

ALCT has recently been granted charity status and endorsed as eligible to receive tax-deductible donations. This makes fundraising from the public a reality and provides the opportunity to purchase and manage important parcels of private land.

“For 200 years, Aboriginal people have petitioned Government for the return of land and in 2022, less than 1% of lutruwita/Tasmania is in Aboriginal ownership,” said Rebecca Digney, Manager of ALCT. “Current claims for the return of Unallocated Crown Land are being overlooked by Government.”

“While public land returns have stalled since 2005, the last decade has seen precious parcels of privately-owned land returned to the Aboriginal Community through unsolicited opportunities and kindness.

“Now we are asking outright as we know there is a generous spirit of giving out there.”

In 2019, Jane and Tom Teniswood gifted part of their east coast property to the Aboriginal community, an act that was warmly received across the state.

“Reconciliation is positive but there is too much talk, too many documents and little to no action. Giving land back is real action that can genuinely take us all forward together,” said Mrs Teniswood.

Giving Land Back is inspired by the Teniswood’s action and seeks tax deductible donations to fund the purchase of identified blocks of land, gifts of land directly to the Aboriginal community and bequests of land or funding in person’s will.

“In the face of Government inaction, we know everyday people want to help,” said Michael Mansell, Chair of ALCT. “Giving Land Back is our invitation for the public to directly support the return of land to Aboriginal people and help deliver the opportunities, inclusion and justice that comes with it.”