Minister for Indigenous Australians
The Australian Government has re-appointed the Honourable Justice Jenny Blokland AO as Aboriginal Land Commissioner for a further two years.
Justice Blokland has been in the position since September 2023 and is a highly respected Supreme Court Judge in the Northern Territory.
Justice Blokland is also a Governing Council and Executive Committee Member of the Australian Judicial Officers Association, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Law and former Council member of the Judicial Council on Cultural Diversity.
The Aboriginal Land Commissioner is a statutory officer of the Commonwealth.
The role includes making inquiries into and reporting on traditional Aboriginal land claims submitted under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.
The Commissioner also provides reports to the relevant Commonwealth Minister and the Administrator of the Northern Territory, and advice on any matter relevant to the Act.
Justice Blokland is currently conducting an inquiry into the Finniss River Region Land Claim which is expected to be completed within this term of her appointment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
"I warmly congratulate the Honourable Justice Jenny Blokland AO on her re-appointment as Aboriginal Land Commissioner, and thank her for her ongoing service.
"Secure land rights are fundamental to the social, cultural, and economic wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
"Justice Blokland's leadership ensures that Traditional Owners' voices are heard and respected, and that land justice continues to be delivered with integrity and fairness.
"Her work as Commissioner directly supports our shared commitment to Closing the Gap, empowering Aboriginal communities to shape their own futures and strengthening connection to Country for generations to come."
