Federal Court declares Commonwealth's blocking of New South Wales gold mine 'invalid'
The Federal Court of Australia has ruled that an Aboriginal protection order halting the McPhillamys Gold Project is invalid. The court has ordered the matter to be referred back to the federal minister for re-determination.
Why it matters
This decision highlights the ongoing tension between industrial development projects and indigenous heritage protection laws.
Regis Resources argued the Commonwealth's decision rendered its goldmine unviable in its current form. ( ABC News: Lani Oataway )
A Federal Court judge has found an Aboriginal protection order that halted an approved goldmine in NSW was "invalid".
Regis Resources launched the legal action in 2024, challenging the Commonwealth's decision relating to its McPhillamys Gold Project.
Justice James Stellios ruled that the project must be referred back to the federal minister for re-determination.
Link copied Share Share article The Federal Court has overturned a Commonwealth decision that halted a billion-dollar goldmine in New South Wales.
Regis Resources launched legal action against then federal minister for environment and water Tanya Plibersek in November 2024, challenging the validity of an Aboriginal protection order she granted over part of its McPhillamys Gold Project near Blayney.
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