Publications

Submission on whether St Mary's Alice Springs should be permanently declared a Heritage Place - March 2026

The St Mary’s lot is wholly within the boundary of a sacred site, the key features of which are mature native tree species. Custodians requested that the Authority convey the broader historical significance of St Mary’s, particularly its importance to the many members of the stolen generation who were housed there, and that efforts should be made to commemorate this.

Comment on the Non-Pastoral Use Permit (NPUP) application for Spirit Hills, VRD Pastoral District

Given the likelihood of impact to sacred sites, the Authority recommends if the Pastoral Land Board is minded issuing a NPU Permit, that it includes the requirement for Southern Cross Agriculture to obtain a new Authority Certificate.

Comment on the EIS referral submitted by the Southern Cross Agri Pty Ltd to develop Stage 1 of the Sweetwater Agricultural Development project - September 2025

The proposed works encroach on Aboriginal sacred sites. The proponent was issued with a draft Authority Certificate (over land nearby) showing Aboriginal sacred sites within the proposed Stage 1. The proponent has not applied for an Authority Certificate for most of the area shown in Stages 1-3.

Submission to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee Inquiry into the NT Aboriginal Sacred Sites Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 - April 2025

We are senior law people from across the Northern Territory and we are very concerned that these amendments will erode protections for our sacred sites. We urge the Assembly to not pass this Bill and instead engage in a real consultation process with Aboriginal people across the Northern Territory to bring proper reform to the protection of sacred sites.