The EPBC Act, EPBC Regulations and other laws

Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park is a site of local, national and international significance. For this reason, there are several pieces of Commonwealth and Northern Territory legislation that operate in the Park.

These laws, in addition to local Tjukurpa as expressed in the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park Plan of Management, govern the behaviour of people who visit or live in the Park.

The EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations under which the Park is managed, are the principal laws for tour guides and their clients.

 The EPBC Act (1999) and EPBC Regulations (2000)

In particular, sections 345A and 354 of the EPBC Act and part 12 of the EPBC Regulations contain rules about activities and behaviour in the Park.

In addition to the EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations, other Commonwealth and Northern Territory laws also apply to activities in the Park. These include section 69 of the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (Northern Territory) 1976 (Cwlth), and the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act 1989 (NT) which governs the entry into, and protection of, Aboriginal sacred sites.

People living or working in the Park should be aware that Northern Territory legislation applies where there is no conflict with Commonwealth law.

In addition to the conditions of their permits, tour guides will need to comply with all relevant laws, including the Commercial Passenger (Road) Transport Act 2007 (NT), to ensure that they are working legally in the Park.

This course focuses primarily on the EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations. It is recommended that tour guides undertake independent research to ensure all obligations under relevant Northern Territory laws are met.

The following reading provides information for tour guides about how the EPBC Act applies when working in national parks.
Reading: The EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations for tour operators in national parks (pdf 322kb | UKTNP Handbook pp. 55-57)

The following reading outlines the EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations, and how these apply when visiting Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park.
Reading: The EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations at Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park (pdf)

The additional readings in the right-hand column are for those who would like further information about this topic.

Tracks of the locally extinct Mala (Rufous Hare Wallaby), now thriving inside Uluru’s Mala enclosure: the EPBC Act protects the living cultural landscape of Uluru–Kata Tjuta.

Run your mouse over the tourists to see the questions. Click on the tourist for help with the answer....