The Aboriginal Lands Trust (ALT) was established by the Western Australian Aboriginal Affairs Planning Authority Act 1972 (WA) (AAPA Act). The functions of the ALT (s23 AAPA Act) are primarily to acquire and hold land and to use and manage that land for the benefit of persons of Aboriginal descent. The ALT took over land previously held by the Native Welfare Department and a number of other State government agencies. The ALT also provides advice to the Minister for Indigenous Affairs on Aboriginal land issues. ( Department of Indigenous Affairs, (7 October 2004))

The Aboriginal Lands Trust in South Australia is a statutory body under the Aboriginal Lands Trust Act 1966 (SA) (ALTA). The Lands Trust holds certain lands in trust for the economic and cultural benefit of the Aboriginal people of South Australia and may not sell any such land without the approval of both houses of Parliament. These lands are made up of former missions, farming properties and blocks with heritage and cultural significance to local Aboriginal communities. The Lands Trust is a land holding body responsible for the administration of land together with land management and land care issues. ( Australian Bureau of Statistics, South Australian Year Book (2002) (at 7 December 2004))