Mining Banned in the Commonwealth Great Australian Bight and Fines or Jail for Breaching the Ban
Great Australian Bight (World Heritage Protection) Bill 2025
Private Member's BillSenate
House of Representatives
Assent
Topics
criminal penalties environment environmental protection land management marine conservation mining property compensation world heritage
Introduced by: Senator 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; this does not apply to research or investigations for conservation and protection.
People who mine in the area commit a criminal offence; they may also face civil penalties.
Offences are aggravated if the mining was for commercial gain; this also applies if the work caused or could have caused serious environmental harm.
People whose property is acquired under the Act can sue in the Federal Court; they can recover reasonable compensation if the Commonwealth does not agree on an amount.
The Environment Secretary can appoint APS employees as inspectors to monitor and investigate the area; the employee must have the necessary knowledge or experience.
The Environment Minister must nominate the Great Australian Bight for the World Heritage List.