AAPA Board calls for genuine consultation and improvements to the NT Sacred Sites Act

27^th March 2025, Darwin: Today the Board of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority expressed frustration with the NT Government’s fast-tracked, limited, draft amendments to the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act (Sacred Sites Act). 

For over 40 years, the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (the Authority) has successfully worked with Aboriginal custodians to ensure the protection of all sacred sites, whilst providing developers with clear guidance through Authority Certificates. 

Chair of the Authority Board, Bobby Nunggumajbarr said the Board wants the Sacred Sites Act modernised and strengthened but is disappointed that the Government is rushing through only very restricted amendments without Territory-wide consultation with Aboriginal custodians, landholders or the broader public.

“We welcome the Draft Bill being subject to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee, but instead of travelling the NT to explain the amendments, the Government has given Territorians one week to make a submission.

“Under our law, we don’t rush.  Ceremony takes time.  Consultation takes time. There is a cultural protocol we must go through.  We need to meet with Aboriginal leaders across the Territory.  Not all communities have reliable internet or connectivity. They can’t just read the legislation online.  One week to respond to the Scrutiny Committee is not enough.     

“The Sacred Sites Act is an extremely important piece of legislation that should not be changed simply to suit one development or another. 

“The Board supports the streamlining of existing processes, and the Authority has previously undertaken work on a wide range of potential changes to the Sacred Sites Act that would support the economic development of the Territory. 

“We could be discussing a one-stop-shop where all Aboriginal heritage and sacred sites are protected under a single process and a single Act. We could be simplifying the Authority’s cost structure. We could ensure the offences and the penalties are in line with other heritage and environmental legislation.

“Instead of consulting on comprehensive reform the Government has proposed a hastily drafted Authority Certificate transfer power.   

“The Sacred Sites Act is about Aboriginal sacred places, and Aboriginal people need to be consulted on changes. Pastoralists, miners, and many others who work alongside sacred sites also need time to comment on this Draft Bill. There is a very high risk of unintended consequences when there is so little consultation.

“The rapid timeframe and the limited nature of the amendments raises many questions about why this is happening.”