DAMAGE to Aboriginal heritage sites will carry new penalties of up to $100,000 and two years’ jail.
Indigenous Affairs Minister John Kobelke said it was the first significant increase in penalties enforced under the Aboriginal Heritage Act since the legislation was passed in 1972.
"Under the new laws, the penalty for disturbing an Aboriginal heritage site will increase up to $20,000 and/or nine months’ imprisonment for offences committed by an individual and up to $50,000 for a corporation," he said.
Individuals convicted a second time will be fined up to $40,000 and could face up to two years’ jail and a corporation’s second offence will attract a fine of up to $100,000.
Mr Kobelke said the amendments made under the Sentencing Laws Legislation would be enforced from March 2004 and maximum daily fines of $400 for individuals or $1,000 for a corporation could also be applied.
“Many elders have expressed concern about the leniency of the current punishment,” he said.