ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the theory of property as a spatially contingent relation of belonging in the context of these leases, and of the challenges brought against them by Aboriginal Australians living on land subject to these leases. Homelands are an Aboriginal space of belonging where being Aboriginal is held up. It also outlines 'the Intervention' - the set of controversial policies introduced in the Northern Territory by the Australian Commonwealth government in August 2007. This Commonwealth power to override Territory laws and enforce federal laws is enabled by s122 of the Australian Constitution. The Intervention was originally primarily enabled by the Northern Territory National Emergency Response Act (NTNERA) 2007. The chapter has explored the concept of property as a spatially contingent relation of belonging through cases challenging the Australian government's acquisition of leases of Aboriginal land under the NTNERA. The government thus defined town camps in terms of their non-conformity with non-Aboriginal lifestyles and of lack of essential services.
