In South Australia, sacred artifacts that are estimated to be around 30,000 years old have been destroyed by vandals.
For the local Aboriginal Mirning people, the Nullarbor Plain art—details carved into the chalk limestone walls of the Koonalda Cave—holds unique significance.
The vandals are thought to have dug under a steel gate before scrawling “don’t look now, but this is a death cave” on the walls.
The authorities are investigating.
Senior Mirning elder, Uncle Bunna Lawrie, told the BBC he first heard about the “devastating” vandalism from the media and said it was another example of “the constant disrespect” his people had experienced.
Since 2014, the Koonalda Cave has been recognized as a National Heritage monument.
Mr. Lawrie expressed his appreciation for Mr. Maher’s suggestion that individuals found to be guilty for the vandalism may face punishment.
Elders and cave specialists have, however, criticized Mr. Maher and the federal authorities, claiming that they brought up the issue of lax security at the site months ago.
Under South Australia’s Aboriginal heritage legislation, anyone found to have harmed an Aboriginal site or object faces a fine of A$10,000 ($6,700; £5,500) or up to six months in jail.