The Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation, on behalf of Larrakia Traditional Owners, expressed grave concern on Thursday at the decision forced on the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority Board to approve an application under section 24B of the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act.
The application, lodged by the Territory Government, adds the Darwin Waterfront Corporation and SH Darwin Hotel Pty Ltd as recorded parties to Authority Certificate C2004/004, which covers the Darwin Waterfront precinct.
Larrakia Nation said the process was compelled.
"The recent legislative amendments require the AAPA Board to process such applications without meaningful consultation with custodians, undermining both procedural fairness and the integrity of the Authority's decision- making," the organisation said in an official statement.
"Legislative and ministerial overreach has stripped AAPA of its role as an independent statutory authority, reducing its functions to that of administrative endorsement rather than cultural site protection.
"The original Waterfront Authority Certificate did not contemplate or provide for the construction of a high-rise hotel adjoining the Convention Centre and proximate to a registered sacred site."
Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Michael Rotumah said the decision exposes the structural failings of the new legislative regime.
"This decision demonstrates how the voices of Larrakia custodians are being systematically sidelined in matters affecting their sacred sites," he said.
"Legislative and ministerial interference has eroded AAPA's independence, reducing its statutory authority to a hollow process.
"Larrakia cultural authority is not negotiable, and this development risks irreversible damage to places of profound significance. The Northern Territory Government must engage with custodians, not legislate around them."
Larrakia Nation noted that Larrakia custodians have "consistently objected" to the current hotel design, warning of significant cultural and spiritual impacts on the site.
"The Northern Territory Government would never contemplate constructing high-rise developments in front of the Darwin War Memorial or other nationally significant sites cherished by non-Indigenous Australians. Sacred Larrakia sites deserve the same level of respect and protection," Larrakia Nation said.
Also on Thursday, the AAPA Board raised concerns about the new law compelling the decision, and Board member Rachel Perkins resigned in protest.
Larrakia National Aboriginal Corporation urged the Territory government, developers, and the wider community to respect Larrakia cultural authority and ensure that sacred sites are preserved and protected for future generations.
