A court has heard that one of the state's most prominent businessmen knew about the significance of Indigenous relics on his land, but ordered the area to be cleared anyway.

Elphinstone Engineering founder Graeme Elphinstone appeared in the Hobart Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon for final submissions ahead of his expected sentencing next year.

The transport and forestry entrepreneur pleaded not guilty in 2024 to nine counts of interfering with an Indigenous relic, but was found guilty following a hearing in March this year.

After a 2017 amendment to the Aboriginal Relics Act that substantially increased the penalties, Mr Elphinstone could face a prison term and a maximum potential fine of up to $785,000 if his actions are deemed to have been deliberate.

Defence lawyer Jack Tamm

See Full Page