Sacred sites in the Northern Territory are protected by both NT and Commonwealth laws, as well as township lease agreements. The Office of Township Leasing and the Executive Director must ensure these sites are preserved, consult Traditional Owners, and prevent development that could harm culturally significant areas—even if the sites aren't formally registered.

The Land Rights Act was passed in 1976 and enshrined Aboriginal land rights in the Northern Territory.

The Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (The Land Rights Act) was passed by the Australian Parliament in December 1976 after years of political struggle by Aboriginal people to have their rights to land recognised. The Land Rights Act is a piece of Commonwealth legislation that applies only to the Northern Territory. This important and historic law recognises the Aboriginal system of land ownership by Traditional Land Owners and provides ways for them to own, control and use the resources of their land.

Many Australians buy or build their own homes or are planning and saving to do so. But for most Aboriginal people who live on Aboriginal land this has not been possible. "Tiwi People are for the first time in a position to own their own home, realising the 'great Australian dream' that the rest of Australia takes for granted." Walter Kerinaiua, Mantiyupwi Elder and Grandfather of Township Leasing, 2007

The Office of Township Leasing works to assist the Executive Director in managing Township Leases.
For both the Executive Director and the Office of Township Leasing, our role is to listen to the ambitions of Traditional Owners and help them realise their vision.
We share knowledge, engage meaningfully and always work with cultural integrity.