It is not a government organisation or department. It was established by an Act of the Legislative Assembly in 1976, and is affiliated with the Australian Council of National Trusts.
The Trust concerns itself with:
Raising public awareness of heritage through events, tours, and
publications
Lobbying the government about heritage issues
Managing a number of historic properties across the Territory
Maintaining reference libraries and archival material and a register of
significant places.
The work of the National Trust is supported by individual members, volunteers and a professional staff who have proven experience and expertise in all areas of heritage conservation and interpretation.