Media releases

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).

McArthur River Mine convicted of breach of the Sacred Sites Act

Today in the Northern Territory Local Court, McArthur River Mine was found guilty, convicted and fined $30,000 for working on the Damangani sacred site. Under the Act, work must not be carried out on a sacred site unless it is in accordance with an Authority Certificate issued by the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority.

AAPA Opinion: Future is guarded by sacred sites law

Dr Benedict Scambary, CEO of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority, wrote in the NT News that AAPA is one of the strengths of the Territory. It is when its processes are not followed, that you hear about sacred sites in the news.

A record-breaking fine at Gunlom confirms the importance of sacred site protection

The NT Local Court today fined Parks Australia $200,000 marking the end of a long-running legal battle over unauthorised works near the sacred site of Gunlom Falls. At the two-day hearing at Gunlom Falls, the Director of National Parks pled guilty and was sentenced to a $200,000 fine, the largest penalty ever awarded under the Sacred Sites Act.

Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority v McArthur River Mine

Today the Northern Territory Local Court heard the first mention of an alleged breach of section 34 of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 (NT) (“the Act”) by McArthur River Mine. The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (the AAPA) alleges that McArthur River Mine worked on the Damangani sacred site without an Authority Certificate.

Territory Day celebrations at Mindil Beach

The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority has not provided any advice recommending Territory Day celebrations be moved from Mindil Beach. Any decisions regarding event planning and location are a matter for the organiser.

AAPA welcomes guilty plea from the Director of National Parks

The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority today welcomed news that the Director of National Parks intends to plead guilty to breaches of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act.

High Court rules National Parks is bound by Northern Territory law

The High Court of Australia today ruled unanimously in favour of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) in the long-running legal battle with National Parks over the protection of sacred sites. The High Court found National Parks did not have crown immunity and can be prosecuted for offences under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 (Sacred Sites Act).

AAPA and DITT joint prosecution

Yesterday a directions hearing was held in the Northern Territory Local Court in relation to alleged breaches of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act, the Minerals Titles Act and the Mining Management Act by Mr Scott Smith and Mrs Kimberley Smith.