The Northern Territory government has released a progress report on its Aboriginal Land and Sea Action Plan, highlighting achievements to date, including growth in sustainable economic enterprises and jobs on Country.

First launched in 2019 and refreshed in February 2022, the Plan contains 10 actions the NT government is progressing in collaboration with land councils, Traditional Owners, the Australian government and other stakeholders.

The latest report highlights the progress to date, while acknowledging some actions will take many years to complete.

Key highlights include the resolution of Aboriginal land and native title claims, including in the Karinga Lakes, Kakadu and Roper River regions; the expansion of Aboriginal Coastal Licences, with licence holders now able to apply to catch and sell barramundi, threadfin salmon and mud crabs; amendments to the Territory's Fisheries Act to better acknowledge the rights, interests and cultural responsibilities Aboriginal people hold under federal laws the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act and the Native Title Act; and the launch and implementation of the Aboriginal Economic Participation Framework and Aboriginal Procurement Policy, which seeks to increase the number of certified Aboriginal businesses receiving government procurement contracts.

The report also notes the delivery of training to Aboriginal marine rangers, with seven marine rangers graduating with a Certificate III in Fisheries Compliance; and the establishment of an Aboriginal Sea Company, which is now the largest holder of mud crab licences in the NT and the new owner of Darwin Ship Stores.

Aboriginal Sea Company chair Calvin Deveraux, Chair noted it had been one year since the Company Board recruited its inaugural chief executive, Bo Carne.

"Since then, the ASC has invested in the development of a 10 Year Strategic Plan, Two Year Business Operational Plan, acquisition of Darwin Ship Stores retail shop and the development of due diligence guidelines for ongoing investment decision-making," he said.

"The acquisition of 10 mud crab licenses is evidence that the ASC Board has made progress to implement its vision to support the growth of First Nations-controlled marine and seafood related businesses."

The NT government said it will continue to "work closely with all key stakeholders" to continue to deliver the Action Plan, with "much more to be done over the coming years".

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Selena Uibo said the progress update on the Aboriginal Land and Sea Action Plan shows "both achievement and more needing to be done" in order to ensure land and sea ownership delivers "the economic and social aspirations of Aboriginal Territorians.

"The report highlights what has been achieved recently, including the connection to country of the Anangu people being formally recognised, expanding the Aboriginal Coastal Licence regime, upskilling marine rangers and providing funding for the Aboriginal Sea Company."

The Land and Sea page: https://aboriginalaffairs.nt.gov.au/aboriginal-land-and-sea.

Link to the report: Aboriginal Land and Sea Action Plan Progress Report June 2023.