The most important responsibilities of the NLC are to consult with traditional landowners and other Aborigines with an interest in the land.

This is to make sure the landowners as a group give their informed consent before the Land Council or a Land Trust enters into any agreement, or takes any action affecting their land. It also ensures that affected Aboriginal communities and groups have the chance to express their views and that land use agreements entered into are reasonable. These principles are fundamental to the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976.

The NLC also acts as a representative body for native title claimants in its area under the Native Title Act 1993.