SA Omnibus Bill: Mining Rights, Landlord Exemptions, and Repeal of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1979

Roxby Downs (Indenture Ratification) (Amendment of Indenture) Amendment Bill 2026

25 Jun 2026: Passed by Parliament and signed off by the governor.

This bill kicks in: TBA

House of Assembly

Legislative Council

Assent

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Topics

government accountability Indigenous affairs Indigenous heritage Indigenous rights land use mine safety mineral resources mining radiation protection radioactive ores rental market tenancy +7 more

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Official page: bill text and explanatory notes

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

The bill changes how the Aboriginal Heritage Act applies to Roxby Downs.
It updates the requirements for licences to mine and mill radioactive ores.
The bill changes how the Radiation Protection and Control Act applies to Roxby Downs Joint Venturers.
It modifies how the Mines and Works Inspection Act applies to the site.
The bill varies the legal terms of the Indenture and SML1.
It establishes the administration of the Roxby Downs (Indenture Ratification) Act 1982.
Only the Company or people it approves can prospect for minerals in the SML1 Additional Area during the Assessment Period.
Officers appointed by the Energy Minister can investigate and gather information to make sure the Indenture is being followed.
The Aboriginal Heritage Act 1979 is repealed. This cancels any existing consents the Company had under that Act.
The Residential Tenancies Act 1995 does not apply to rental agreements in the townsite if the Company or its associated company is the landlord.
The Indenture takes priority over other laws, including the Mining Act 1971 and the Commercial Arbitration Act 2011. If there is a conflict between these laws and the Indenture, the Indenture wins.
The Energy Minister cannot grant a Project Approval unless they consult and get agreement from any other Minister who would normally have the power to grant it.
The Company remains liable for civil or criminal penalties if the Indenture expands or changes its legal duties.

The Debate

What different members said when this bill was debated:

Ben Hood LIB

“I rise to speak on the Roxby Downs (Indenture Ratification - Amendment of Indenture) Amendment Bill 2026, and I indicate at the outset that the opposition supports this bill. Olympic Dam is one of the most significant mining operations in the country. It underpins jobs, royalties, regional development and investment in South Australia.”

Official source →

Sarah Game NULL

“I rise briefly to support the Roxby Downs (Indenture Ratification - Amendment of Indenture) Indenture Bill 2026.”

Official source →

Justin Hanson ALP

“It should not, and I do not think it will, surprise anyone that I rise to speak in support of this bill, being the Roxby Downs (Indenture Ratification - Amendment of Indenture) Amendment Bill 2026. Hopefully, that is the last time anyone needs to read all that out.”

Official source →

Melanie Selwood GRN

“I want to begin by highlighting the atrocious process that has led to the arrival of this bill in the council. The bill was not flagged on the YourSAy website, nor was it mentioned on the Department for Energy and Mining’s news or consultations websites.”

Official source →

Cory Bernardi PHON

“The most encouraging words I have heard today is that this bill is likely to get through this parliament, with one or two exceptions. It is a celebration, if I may, of the importance of mining to our state. It is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how myopia, short-sightedness, intransigence and ideology actually drag our state backwards.”

Official source →

Hilton Gumbys ALP

“I am pleased to add my support to the Roxby Downs (Indenture Ratification - Amendment of Indenture) Amendment Bill 2026, and I want to use my contribution today to focus on something quite specific: what this bill actually unlocks on the ground at Olympic Dam and what that means for the economic future of this state.”

Official source →

Kyam Maher ALP

“I thank all honourable members for their contribution and look forward to the committee stage and an important discussion about an important piece of legislation. The council divided on the second reading:”

Official source →