Media releases

High Court rules National Parks is bound by Northern Territory law

The High Court of Australia today ruled unanimously in favour of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) in the long-running legal battle with National Parks over the protection of sacred sites. The High Court found National Parks did not have crown immunity and can be prosecuted for offences under the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 (Sacred Sites Act).

AAPA and DITT joint prosecution

Yesterday a directions hearing was held in the Northern Territory Local Court in relation to alleged breaches of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act, the Minerals Titles Act and the Mining Management Act by Mr Scott Smith and Mrs Kimberley Smith.

Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority v Director of National Parks in the High Court this week

The High Court of Australia will hold two days of hearings this week on whether National Parks has crown immunity from prosecution under the NT Sacred Sites Act.

Vote YES for The VOICE on 14 October

The Aboriginal members of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority fully endorse the proposed Voice to Parliament and call on Territorians to vote ‘Yes’ in the 14 October Referendum.

High Court to hear appeal against NT Supreme Court ruling that the Commonwealth is free to damage sacred sites

Today the High Court of Australia agreed to hear an appeal by the AAPA against the Supreme Court judgment that National Parks cannot be prosecuted under the Sacred Sites Act.

Kunmanara Hoosan

The Chairman, Board, CEO and Staff of the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority are deeply saddened by the loss of our Board Member, Kunmanara Hoosan.

Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority takes Gunlom case to the High Court

The AAPA is seeking to appeal the decision of the NT Supreme Court which found that the Director of National Parks cannot be prosecuted under the Sacred Sites Act.

Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority v Hayes Enterprises (NT) Pty Ltd

Hayes Enterprises NT has been convicted and fined $32,400 in the Local Court in Darwin today, after pleading guilty to working on a sacred site without an Authority Certificate.

Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority v Director of National Parks

Today the Full Court of the Supreme Court of the Northern Territory found that the Director of National Parks cannot be prosecuted for offences under the Sacred Sites Act.