The Traditional owners of McArthur River are challenging the legality of the decisions made by the NT and Federal Governments to approve the mining and diversion of the McArthur River.

The first case was heard in the NT Supreme Court from the 26-30 March 2007. A decision was handed down by Justice Angel on the 30th April in favour of the plaintiffs. This meant that the Northern Territory Government’s mining approval was invalid and work on the mining expansion and river had to stop.

The Northern Territory Government’s response was to legislate to override the courts decision and remove any avenue for legal challenge now and in the future. The Martin Labor Government effectively sacrificed the rights of their constituents to please an international mining company.

Media coverage and comment can be found in the legal challenge blog category. 

The Federal Court challenge has been adjourned til early June