Since the 1960s land rights have become a major issue for Aboriginal people. With the passing of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cwlth) Aborigines in many parts of central and northern Australia have regained control of traditional land. The landmark Mabo case of 1992, mounted by Torres Strait Islander Eddie Mabo, overturned the concept of terra nullius and paved the way for native title claims.

The struggle by Aboriginal people to gain acknowledgment of prior ownership of this land both legally and morally and allowing all the accompanying rights and obligations which stem from this association.

rights held to land and other natural resources. More than one person may hold rights to a parcel of land which gives rise to the concept of a “bundle of rights”.

The rights Aboriginal people enjoy to their ancestrally inherited land under Australian law. These rights were not recognised when the first British settlers declared Australia terra nullius, that is, the 'uninhabited land'. Since the 1960s Aboriginal people have worked to have these rights recognised in courts of law. The most significant judgements which allow Aboriginal people to claim these rights today are the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act, 1976, and the Mabo judgement of the High Court of Australia in 1992 which acknowledged Aboriginal people's ownership of the land prior to European settlement.

Can also refer to encumbrances on land rights proper; for example, the right of access.

Land rights are those property rights that pertain to real estate, that is, land.