Can you dig it? No No No???

Heritage playing further games...

https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/metal-detectorist-facing-115-000-fine-jail-time-over-little-known-rule/ar-BB1hcHqo?cvid=07942c9eb16342cc8a6a382b111ea5f8&ocid=winp2fptaskbar&ei=24

Quibbling about trinkets they deem "heritage"

While another part of our government allows this!!
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-05-26/rio-tinto-blast-destroys-area-with-ancient-aboriginal-heritage/12286652

Photo's courtesy of Phrunt. (as posted on DP)





A petition and a  fund, to help with legalities, have both been started and can be accessed via -
https://www.facebook.com/groups/340190050182205

Seems heritage is pushing the boundaries a bit, and may be using Luke as a test case...

Hard to read legalese....

"archaeological artefact" means an object (other than a shipwreck artefact) which provides information of past activity in the State and—

(a) is associated with an archaeological site; or

(b) is associated with a registered archaeological place; or

(c) is associated with an approved site of archaeological value; or

(d) is associated with a place that was an archaeological site, registered archaeological place or approved site of archaeological value;

"archaeological site" means a place (other than a shipwreck) which—

(a) contains an artefact, deposit or feature which is 75 or more years old; and

(b) provides information of past activity in the State; and

(c) requires archaeological methods to reveal information about the settlement, development or use of the place; and

(d) is not associated only with Aboriginal occupation of the place;

I believe he also has to go to heritage offices and write 100 times on a blackboard...

I must not ignore Heritage or dig rusty junk, I must not ignore Heritage or dig rusty junk...etc

Update courtesy of Geoff Junk (as posted on DP)

RECENT UPDATE. 22-1-2024
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Luke Phillips
Australia
JAN 22, 2024 —

I would first like to say a massive thank you to everyone out there that is supporting this most important cause so far! We have passed well over 1000 signatures in less than 24 hours.

Now for an update...

Today I spoke with my local MP to sit for a meeting next week to discuss all matters regarding the allegations and prosecution set against me. And our rights towards metal detecting and unearthing/saving the history we find. And if everything is correct and organised in time, this could even go in front of parliament around April 2024 when our next sitting takes place.

Channel Nine News Australia has also taken an interview from me and is in the process of helping us share this information and campaign for future through relevant media outlets. Funny enough to, the same wonderful journalist who contacted me last year to promote the amazing metal detecting work I and others across Australia were doing. And now this year the same wonderful journalist is contacting me back to speak about being prosecuted for it. Times couldn't get any stranger!

I have also been collecting statements and references from landowners and people I have had the pleasure of meeting throughout my time detecting.

I would also like to ask everyone out there who is, has or will be affected by this ban to enjoy metal detecting for future, to please reach out and email how it is impacting you! My email is @Lukephillips169@gmail.com or you can direct msg me via Facebook if you prefer.

There is also a dispute with the timeline of when Heritage Victoria first contacted me regarding this situation. Heritage Victoria stated in their most recent email to me (18-1-2024) that there first contact was only in November 2022. However I have documents to prove otherwise! As i was first actually contacted all the way back in November 2020. Is this a slip of the key when typing a so perfectly worded harrasing email to me...or is it a lie to make them look better that they were following up quicker on such a bad "criminal" activity like detecting?....You decide.

Thank you again for your time supporting this cause that's so close to my heart, plus so many others! There will be plenty more updates to follow as I know more. We have some of the biggest names out there supporting this cause now and your name added to the list is just as important to have this resolved.