Criminal offence for conducting mining operations in the Commonwealth Great Australian Bight area
Great Australian Bight (World Heritage Protection) Bill 2025
Private Member's Bill1st House
2nd House
Law
Introduced by: Sarah Hanson-Young (GRN)
Links to official parliament websites
Effects of this bill
If this bill passes, it means that:
Mining operations in the Commonwealth Great Australian Bight area are banned; research for conservation is an exception.
People who mine in the area commit a criminal offence; fines are higher if the work was for commercial gain or harmed the environment.
Individuals face civil penalties up to 5,000 penalty units; bodies corporate face up to 50,000 penalty units.
Inspectors can enter, search, and seize items to investigate mining operations.
The Secretary appoints inspectors based on their knowledge and experience.
The Minister must nominate the Great Australian Bight for the World Heritage List.
Property owners can sue the Commonwealth in Federal Court for compensation if their land is acquired on unfair terms.