Senator Lidia Thorpe has called on Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek to take action against Defence Housing Australia (DHA), after Northern Territory authorities dropped an investigation into alleged illegal land clearing by the federal agency at Binybara Lee Point, NT.
DHA paused works at the site on 7 May 2024 following allegations that nearly eight hectares of bushland had been cleared without appropriate approvals, breaching the NT Planning Act.
In July 2024, it was revealed on ABC’s 7.30 report that DHA had also allegedly breached the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act by bulldozing land without required approvals in place.
The Northern Territory Development Consent Authority has confirmed it will not prosecute or take any further action against DHA over the allegations.
Quotes attributable to Lidia Thorpe, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Djab Wurrung independent Victorian Senator:
"Tanya Plibersek can’t let Defence Housing Australia get away with such a blatant disregard for the law, the environment and Larrakia cultural heritage. This would just signal that it’s acceptable to destroy Country and cultural heritage.
"Minister Plibersek must ensure DHA’s illegal destruction of sacred Larrakia Country at Binybara/Lee Point is thoroughly investigated and that they are held accountable.
"Action under the EPBC Act is now the only remaining and clear avenue to deal with these blatant breaches. Without action, we will see more destruction.
"We must remember that DHA is a federal agency, so the Albanese government is responsible for this destruction. They must take responsibility and right this wrong.
"The NT authorities are too gutless to prosecute DHA, so Minister Plibersek needs to step up and take responsibility.
"This is a demonstration of just how weak this country's environment and cultural heritage laws are. A clear breach of NT legislation and the EPBC Act is being met with no consequences, not even a slap on the wrist.
"Plibersek needs to do her job and deal with this."