Sacred sites review
A review of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act has made 39 recommendations to improve the way the act operates.
The review by independent consultants examined the scope and operation of the Act and the Aboriginal Areas Protections Authority (AAPA).
The review provides advice on :
- how the Act might be strengthened to improve protections for sacred sites.
- how the Act might be changed in order to simplify processes around economic development
- how AAPA could better balance economic needs and the protection of sacred sites.
The Act was last reviewed in 1991 which was before native title was recognised under Australian law.
The review process involved 41 meetings with interested groups.
Recommendations
The review concluded that whilst the Act achieved its original purpose, it could be improved through changes to the law, better coordination and funding by the NT Government and improvements to AAPA's structure and operations.
Of the 39 recommendations, 21 would need changes to the Act. Others relate to the day to day running of AAPA, strengthen sacred site protection and to simplify administrative processes.
Work will start immediately on implementing nine of the recommendations and the others will be further considered by the government.
Read the sacred sites processes and outcomes review report PDF (1.1 MB).
Read more about the report into sacred sites processes.
Sacred
sites processes and outcomes review and recommendations DOCX (56.2 KB)
Sacred
sites processes and outcomes review and recommendations PDF (38.8 KB)
Queries can be directed to dcm.sacredsitesreview@nt.gov.au.
Land use and ownership
Land tenure refers to the relationship between people and land, specifically the rights and responsibilities that people have in relation to land.
It includes the various ways that land can be owned, managed, and transferred, such as leases, permits, and customary rights.
Land tenure systems vary widely around the world, with different legal frameworks, cultural norms, and historical factors shaping the ways that land is owned and managed in different places.
Below are types of land tenure that exist in the Northern Territory (NT). It affects the process for granting a title.
Most land in the NT, outside of townships, is either Aboriginal freehold or pastoral leasehold land over which native title rights can exist.
Freehold land
Freehold land, sometimes referred to as a grant in fee simple or estate in fee simple, means the government has passed all interest in the land, other than resources, onto the owner.
An example of freehold land is the average house block in a city or town.
Freehold land is not affected by native title.
Aboriginal freehold land
Aboriginal freehold land came into being in 1976 when the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act (ALRA) was passed, converting former Aboriginal reserves into permanent Aboriginal freehold.
Aboriginal freehold land is inalienable freehold title, meaning it can't be sold. It is referred to as 'schedule one' land, and is formally held by an Aboriginal land trust.
Pastoral land
Pastoral leasehold is land which is owned by the government and leased to a private individual or company for pastoral purposes.
This may include cattle grazing, crop growing or pastoral based tourist activities.
Pastoral land is subject to native title.