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
Source: https://www.aapant.org.au. Rules Mate is not a law firm. Always verify against the live regulator source before acting.