2023-10-30
Senator Dorinda Cox is demanding Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek intervenes to protect underwater cultural heritage following NOPSEMA approval for Santos gas pipeline, despite Tiwi Land Council’s dismissal of Corrigan anthropology report.
Comments attributable to Greens portfolio holder for First Nations, Resources, Trade, Tourism and Sport, and Yamatji Noongar woman, Senator Dorinda Cox:
“It is clear that the process put in place to provide Traditional Owners the opportunity to be properly and genuinely consulted is broken, even though a court decision in December put Santos and NOPSEMA on notice to correct this important issue.
“The Tiwi Land Council has spoken out, to declare that the Corrigan report was not an adequate authority to inform NOPSEMA, Santos or other stakeholders about the relevant Tiwi cultural background. I am outraged that Dr Brendan Corrigan’s report has stated that there are no specific 'underwater cultural heritage places' along the pipeline route that may be affected.
“TLC’s chief executive officer Robert Graham is also an anthropologist and understands the local people and cultural heritage and I agree with his reported assertion that Santos’ assessment is a continuation of a failure to consult traditional owners properly.
“NOPSEMA’s acceptance of Dr Corrigan’s report shows complete disregard for underwater cultural heritage that is so vital and intrinsic to the Tiwi and many First Nations peoples. It must be respected. The area contains ancient burial grounds, traditional songlines and totem animals.
“These burial sites are culturally significant - could you imagine the outrage across Australia if the National War Memorial or other grave sites were desecrated? This is cultural destruction by a fossil fuel company that has no regard for anything other than its profits.
“I have zero confidence in NOPSEMA as a regulator and I urge the Environment Minister to step in as requested by Traditional Owners who are seeking an emergency declaration to protect sacred Tiwi cultural heritage.
“This Government is beholden to fossil fuel and mining companies because dollars are more important than our environment and climate change, and this latest example is just like Juukan Gorge the destruction of our ancient cultural heritage of First Nations people.
“I introduced a Private Senator’s Bill, Protecting the spirit of Sea Country to parliament seeking to ensure adequate and genuine consultation with Traditional Owners.
“It requires standards of consultation with Traditional Owners to be developed, ensures they are included as ‘relevant people’ in the consultation process and ensures that underwater cultural heritage is identified and protected under the environment plan and the offshore project proposals.”