Environment — Conservation of natural heritage — UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1972 — World Heritage List — Criteria for properties to be included — Obligation of States to identify and protect such properties — Exploration for minerals in northern Australia — Government decision to establish a “national park” — Government seeking inclusion of Stage 2 of park in World Heritage List — Whether affecting mining interests — Whether decision reviewable — World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983 (Commonwealth) — National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Amendment Act 1987 (Commonwealth)

Treaties — Treaty-making power of States — UNESCO Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1972 — Government of Australia acting to include property on World Heritage List — Mining interests in Northern Territory affected by decision — Whether exercise of treaty-making power prerogative of the Crown — Whether decision justiciable — World Heritage Properties Conservation Act 1983 (Commonwealth) — National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Amendment Act 1987 (Commonwealth) — The law of Australia