Sacred sites connect people with ceremony, law and traditions, across time and generations. They are part of Aboriginal people’s living culture, and an integral part of the Northern Territory’s and Australia’s cultural heritage. Protection of these places is sanctioned in Aboriginal law and the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act. This Act needs to be a strong law to protect these sites for all Australians now and into the future.

The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) Board welcomes the publication of the Sacred Sites Processes and Outcomes Review and the government’s commitment to immediately progressing nine of the review’s recommendations. In particular, the compulsory reporting of damage and desecration of sacred sites and proposed amendments to allow for stop work orders will increase protection of sacred sites.

The Board looks forward to continuing to work closely with government on the remaining recommendations to ensure a strong, contemporary model for sacred site protection in the Northern Territory.

Contact – Matthew Dean 08 8999 4332 / 0428 111 254