Northern Territory: Legislation


All Northern Territory legislation herein is reproduced with permission but does not purport to be the official or authorised version/s.


From 1863 until 1911, the Northern Territory was annexed to South Australia. For legislation applying in the Northern Territory prior to 1895, refer to the South Australian table.

On 1 January 1911, the Northern Territory became a territory of the Commonwealth.

Aboriginals Ordinance 1911 (Cth) (386kb) Provisions

Aboriginals Ordinance 1918 (1383kb) Provisions

Aboriginals Ordinance 1953 (301kb) Provisions

Welfare Ordinance 1961 (966kb) Provisions

Social Welfare Ordinance 1964 (481kb) Provisions


In 1978, the Northern Territory was granted self-government by an Act of the Commonwealth Parliament.

Adoption of Children Regulations 1994 (914kb)


Welfare Ordinance 1953-60


Child Welfare Ordinance 1958


Community Welfare Act 1983


Adoption of Children Act 1994