Industry pleased with sacred sites reforms as Aboriginal groups call for more consultation

The pastoral industry has welcomed changes to the Sacred Sites Act, while Aboriginal stakeholders say they have been left out of the conversation.

Romy Carey, Northern Territory Cattleman's Association (NTCA) chief executive. Picture: Supplied

The pastoral industry has welcomed changes to the Northern Territory’s Sacred Sites Act which make it easier for authority certificates to be transferred, while Aboriginal stakeholders say they have been left out of the conversation.

The amendment Bill passed into law on Thursday evening, formalising the composition of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) Board, and allowing for damage remediation enforcement to occur outside of court.

Most significantly for industry, authority certificates – which set out the conditions for works carried out near sacred sites – can now be transferred or have additional parties added, as long as the proposed work and use of the land are the same.

NT Cattlemen’s Association chief executive Romy Carey said the reforms were “a constructive step toward delivering greater clarity, efficiency, and confidence for the pastoral industry”.

“Enhancing the transferability of authority certificates and reducing regulatory duplication will provide landholders with the certainty they need to invest and develop responsibly across the Territory,” she said.

The Minerals Council of Australia NT also welcomed the “improved efficiency” of cultural heritage approvals, and said it looked forward to working with the government and traditional owners for future reform.

Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority Chairman Bobby Nunggumajbarr, alongside the rest of the board. Picture: Fia Walsh.

AAPA, the body overseeing the protection of sacred sites, said the Territory government had missed a crucial opportunity to modernise and strengthen the Act.

“The Sacred Sites Act is meant to protect Aboriginal sacred sites, but Aboriginal people and their representative organisations have not been consulted on these changes,” chair Bobby Nunggumajbarr said.

“The NT Cattlemen’s Association says they welcome these amendments, but they do not engage with the Sacred Sites Act. I hope their sudden support signals a willingness to work with AAPA to protect sacred sites on their pastoral leases.

“These changes have been quickly drafted without a good understanding of the importance of sacred sites to the NT community, and they increase the potential for disputes and legal challenges.

“The AAPA Board supports economic development in the NT, and the protection of our sacred sites is a critical part of that.”

Warren Williams, Central Land Council chair.

Central Land Council chair Warren Williams wrote to Lands, Planning and Environment Minister Joshua Burgoyne on Wednesday, expressing concern about unclear wording surrounding “use of land” and the transfer of authority certificates.

“‘Use of land’ is very vague – for example, mining is a ‘use of land’ but a mine can be big or small and the conditions needed to protect sacred sites could be very different,” Mr Williams said in the letter.

“You have heard our delegates speak from the heart about how important sacred sites are to our people and the stress and suffering we experience when they are damaged or at risk of harm.

“I am, we are, asking you to sit down at the table with us to make real improvements to the Sacred Sites Act that will protect sacred sites and make the laws work better for everyone.”

Minister Burgoyne said the reforms ensured the legislation reflected modern regulatory standards while continuing to strengthen protection of sacred sites.

“The cultural authority of custodians remains central, and the amendments will provide much needed clarity and simpler, streamlined approval processes, while ensuring the protection of sacred sites remains paramount,” he said.

Originally published as Industry pleased with sacred sites reforms as Aboriginal groups call for more consultation