2017-12-23
Hon Robin Chapple
With every new year comes the occasion to reflect on the work we have done, and the work that we have left to do. In 2017, I travelled hundreds of kilometres to and through the Kimberley and the Pilbara, reaching people from all walks of life across the state. Together, we continued working towards the protection of and advocacy for the people of the Mining and Pastoral region, Aboriginal Heritage and communities, and the environment. Month by month as the 2017 went by, we addressed fracking, uranium mining, cashless welfare, Dying with Dignity, illegal baiting trials, excessive waste and single-use plastics, and will continue our fight for a clean, healthy, invigorated future.
The year began with protests against the cashless welfare scheme, and calls for fracking bans in the Kimberley where we also reminded the government of the necessity of a 50% Renewable Energy Target. We worked against the privatisation of the Utah Point Processing Facility, drafting a bill which was tabled in May. We also watched the story of the Burrup Peninsulas (Murujugas) true endangerment unfold alongside faulty CSIRO studies, and it motivated us to keep campaigning for its protection and World Heritage Listing.
With my re-election in March, we had the chance to continue our crucial work in the Kimberley and Pilbara, protecting Aboriginal heritage in Murujugas magnificent rock art from industry and toxic pollution, and seeking more legitimate initiatives from the government to protect the art and culture that has survived for tens of millennia. We continued the compassionate conversation around Dying with Dignity, local government responsibilities in regional WA, against uranium mining, and for sustainably transforming the Mining and Pastoral region.
In April, my colleagues and I fought against four uranium mines announced by Labor – at Mulga Rock, Yeelirrie, Wiluna and Kintyre – none of which had received the necessary approvals to begin construction and development. We continued our work on Aboriginal Heritage issues, like the Home is Heritage campaign, and rewriting the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.
Our trusty Green Machine being stolen was a minor interruption to our busy work in May, but thanks to the marvellous efforts of our community, it was swiftly returned to us. June was particularly active as well: we fought the construction of uranium mines once again, questioned the government on dangerous baiting trials occurring in the Yampi Sound Training Area. The 'Hisstory baits endangered vulnerable cohorts of dingoes, and our lobbying was successful in stopping the trial. We also drew attention to WAs abysmal recycling rates, something we hope to continue improving in the coming year. We announced our commitment to end the use of single-use plastics in our office, and visited Fremantle harbour to collect bags full of plastic waste with the wonderful assistance of Sea Shepherds Australias Marine Debris Campaign.
I provided a notice of motion to introduce the bill on plastics in Parliament, demanding a commitment from the state government to reduce plastic waste. We succeeded in having plastic bags banned, and will continue to campaign against balloon releases and other plastic waste. I also introduced the Prevention of Forced Closures of Remote Communities Bill 2017.
I travelled to the Kimberley in July, and met with FARA to continue our Murujuga rock art protection campaign. I also had the honour of attending the 2017 Murujuga Annual Strategic Meeting in Roebourne.
In August, I campaigned against copper exploration in Horizontal Falls, and the Joint Select Committee on End of Life Choices was established. We also saw that the introduction of a White Card in Kununurra increased the crime rate, as predicted.
In September we addressed royalty increases in the mining industry. Once again, we focussed on the growing quantity of plastic waste in the ocean, estimated to outnumber the volume of marine life by 2050 if no action is taken. We have seen the effects of plastics on the health of our marine ecosystems, and so the Greens (WA) are committed to preventing further damage. That month, the government announced the ban on plastic bags from 1 July 2018 onwards, due to our continuous lobbying.
I travelled hundreds of kilometres to Murujuga, and met with the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) and the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Cultural Centre (KALACC). While in the Kimberley once again, I had the privilege to hear a reading of the Statement from the Heart (AKA the 'Uluru Statement). I also spoke at the Yule River Bush Meeting, alongside the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC).
In October, we wrote to every local council in the state to request a ban on the release of helium balloons, following the excellent work of the Town of Cottesloe. We also protested the construction of uranium mines again, fought again for Murujuga, tabled an anti-fracking petition in Parliament, and continued our campaign for the Helena Aurora Range to undergo rangeland reforms, and be given National Park status.
Dying with Dignity campaigns saw great attention nationally in October, and I would like to congratulate Victoria again on passing the legislation and allowing their people the freedom to choose. We will continue to work for such a compassionate outcome for Western Australia.
In November, we tabled a petition and the Minister for Environment announced support for the EPAs decision to not mine the Helena Aurora Range. We will continue to campaign for the additional protection of National Park status. We drew attention to the polluted drinking water supplies of regional communities, and questioned the State Fracking Inquirys ability to accurately document the views of all stakeholders. The Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation finally received Native Title rights on the 14th of November, a terrific win for their community and culture.
The most recent success for the Greens (WA) this year came from the Helena Aurora Range, which was spared from environmentally unsatisfactory mining proposals with no appeal, thanks to our lobbying. The land is culturally and geographically significant, and is home to unique environmental diversity.
This year, we have seen a general progressive move in Western Australia, with the banning of plastic bags, and constructive conversations surrounding climate change occurring in Parliament. This momentum is something we can and must take with us as we stride into 2018.
Looking back at this year, I would like to congratulate our Party for their unwavering commitment to social justice and environmental issues. I thank and congratulate my Greens (WA) colleagues and members of Parliament for their diligent work and campaigning, the Greens staff across the nation, and the ever-expanding team in my office. I thank Nina Springle MP for assisting me in my campaign for banning single-use plastics, and Dying with Dignity Western Australia for their vital support. I would also like to thank my colleagues at FARA, who tirelessly campaign for Murujugas protection.
In 2018, we will be campaigning on waste management across the state, including banning the release of helium balloons, lobbying to ensure the government follows through with their commitment to the installation of a container deposit scheme. The ban on plastic bags will begin in July, and we look forward to the positive effects this will have on the health of our environment.
Now, I am travelling to the Kimberly to get some rest before another year begins. I wish you all a safe and festive holiday season, and Ill see you again in 2018, where we will continue fighting on all the fronts for a sustainable, peaceful, and just future.
Header photo: Speaking at a YMAC meeting. Tim Oliver