In a stunning development, leaked documents have exposed the Northern Territory government’s plans to grant itself sweeping new powers to exempt major projects from critical environmental assessments. The move, described by critics as “terrifying” and “authoritarian,” has sent shockwaves through the conservation and Indigenous communities.
Unchecked Authority and Expedited Development
The controversial proposal would allow a newly created “Territory Coordinator” to override government agencies and fast-track approvals for projects deemed significant. Even more alarming, ministers could issue “exemption notices” to free certain projects from regulatory oversight entirely.
According to the leaked document, these unprecedented powers are intended to “enable the TC to effectively expedite industry and economic development.” However, conservationists and Indigenous leaders fear it will come at a devastating cost to the environment and traditional lands.
“Profoundly Anti-Democratic” and Favoring Fossil Fuels
Kirsty Howey, Executive Director of Environment Centre NT, pulled no punches in her assessment of the proposed changes. She labeled the “pernicious laws” as “profoundly anti-democratic” and authoritarian, warning they would see “power arbitrarily wielded in favor of fossil fuel company profits over communities.”
The timing of the revelation has also raised suspicions. With the Country Liberal Party holding a commanding majority in the NT assembly, there are concerns the government could ram through the new laws as early as November, with minimal public input or debate.
Indigenous Communities Sound the Alarm
For Indigenous groups, the proposed powers are a direct threat to their ancestral lands and rights. Samuel Janama Sandy, a Djingili elder and chair of the Nurrdalinji Aboriginal Corporation, expressed deep concern over the potential fast-tracking of gas fracking projects in the Beetaloo Basin.
“We shouldn’t hurry things, just so frackers can push more money into their pockets. This is all about money, money, money and opening the door for big companies to do what they want here,”
said Sandy.
The Northern Territory is home to some of Australia’s most iconic and ecologically sensitive regions. From the tropical savannas of Arnhem Land to the Red Centre’s majestic deserts, these diverse landscapes hold immense cultural and environmental value. Many fear the government’s proposed powers could irreversibly damage these precious areas in the pursuit of short-term economic gain.
A Dangerous Precedent and Uncertain Future
Critics argue the move sets a dangerous precedent that could have far-reaching consequences beyond the Northern Territory. If allowed to proceed unchallenged, it could embolden other governments to follow suit, eroding environmental protections and undermining Indigenous rights across Australia.
As opposition grows, all eyes are now on Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and her government. Will they heed the outcry and abandon these draconian proposals? Or will they forge ahead, risking irreparable harm to the Territory’s natural heritage and democratic principles?
The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the fate of the Northern Territory’s environment and the rights of its Indigenous peoples. As the battle lines are drawn, one thing is certain: the outcome will have profound implications for generations to come.
