Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 — Authority Certificate
Use of land that may affect a sacred site in the NT requires an Authority Certificate from AAPA.
Who must comply
Any person proposing to use or carry out work on land in the NT that may affect a sacred site — developers, miners, pastoral lessees, infrastructure proponents.
What triggers it
Proposing use of, or work on, land in the NT that may affect a sacred site.
When due
Before commencing work — Authority Certificate obtained in advance.
Evidence required
Authority Certificate from AAPA; consultation with custodians; site avoidance plan.
Max penalty
Up to 400 penalty units (~$66,000, FY26) + 2 years imprisonment for an individual; 2,000 penalty units (~$330,000) for a body corporate, for entering or carrying out work on a sacred site without authority (s 33–35).
Summary
Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 protects all sacred sites in the NT. The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) issues Authority Certificates under s 22 confirming that a proposed work or use of land will not contravene the Act. Authority Certificates are best-practice evidence of due diligence; without one, a person carrying out work that damages or interferes with a sacred site commits an offence.
Enforced by
Topics
Related obligations
- VICAboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic) — CHMPActivities in areas of cultural heritage sensitivity require a CHMP.
- NSWNational Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NSW) — Aboriginal heritageActivities affecting Aboriginal objects + sites in NSW require AHIP or due diligence.
- QLDAboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld) — duty of careAnyone carrying out an activity that could harm Aboriginal cultural heritage in Qld owes a statutory duty of care.
- WAAboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) — s 18 consentAny use of land that may damage an Aboriginal site requires s 18 consent from the Minister.
- SAAboriginal Heritage Act 1988 (SA) — Minister's authorisationActivities that damage, disturb or interfere with an Aboriginal site, object or remains require Minister's authorisation in SA.
- TASAboriginal Heritage Act 1975 (Tas) — permit to disturb relicsA permit from the Minister is required to disturb, destroy or remove an Aboriginal relic in Tasmania.
Frequently asked questions
- Who must comply with Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 — Authority Certificate?
- Any person proposing to use or carry out work on land in the NT that may affect a sacred site — developers, miners, pastoral lessees, infrastructure proponents.
- What triggers Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 — Authority Certificate?
- Proposing use of, or work on, land in the NT that may affect a sacred site.
- When is Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 — Authority Certificate due?
- Before commencing work — Authority Certificate obtained in advance.
- What is the maximum penalty for Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 — Authority Certificate?
- Up to 400 penalty units (~$66,000, FY26) + 2 years imprisonment for an individual; 2,000 penalty units (~$330,000) for a body corporate, for entering or carrying out work on a sacred site without authority (s 33–35).
- What evidence is required for Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 — Authority Certificate?
- Authority Certificate from AAPA; consultation with custodians; site avoidance plan.
Source: https://www.aapant.org.au. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.