Compliance and enforcement

In accordance with the Sacred Sites Act, all NT sacred sites are protected regardless of underlying land title, or if it is recorded by the AAPA.  

Under the Sacred Sites Act it is an offence to:

• enter or remain on a sacred site without permission or authority;
• use or carry out work on a sacred site;
• desecrate a sacred site; and
• contravene or fail to comply with a condition of an Authority Certificate, provided that failure or contravention results in damage to a sacred site or distress to a custodian of the site.

For individuals, the maximum penalty for these offences ranges from 200–400 penalty units and imprisonment for 12 months to two years.  For a body corporate, the maximum penalty ranges from 1000-2000 penalty units.

The AAPA has the sole authority to bring a prosecution or accept an enforceable undertaking in relation to these matters.

If, at any time, you have concerns that a sacred site has been damaged, or is under threat of being damaged, you should notify the AAPA as soon as possible.

Please provide as much information as possible to the Authority to facilitate an investigation.