Great Australian Bight (World Heritage Protection) Bill 2025

# Great Australian Bight (World Heritage Protection) Bill 2025 ## What it does This bill bans all mining operations in the Commonwealth waters of the Great Australian Bight. It overrides existing laws (like offshore petroleum laws) to make this ban legally binding, and requires the government to nominate the Bight as a World Heritage Site. ## Why it matters Mining in the Bight could damage one of Australia's richest marine ecosystems and threaten industries like fishing and tourism that depend on it. This bill is a bet that protecting the environment long-term is worth more than short-term mining revenue. ## Key details - **Penalties**: Companies or individuals caught mining face criminal offences and civil penalties (the bill doesn't specify dollar amounts yet). - **Enforcement**: The government appoints inspectors with monitoring and investigation powers, plus can issue infringement notices and take legal action to stop breaches. - **Timing**: The law kicks in the day after it receives Royal Assent (the Governor-General's sign-off), so it could take effect immediately if passed.