2016-03-02
2 March, 2016
Greens spokesperson for Aboriginal Affairs Robin Chapple MLC has questioned the time it is taking the WA Government to reassess 35 sacred sites unlawfully deregistered since 2012.
The reassessment is due to a Supreme Court ruling in April last year that concluded a sacred site in Port Hedland had been unlawfully deregistered by the Aboriginal Cultural Materials Committee (ACMC).
“It was through parliamentary questions that I recently found out the heritage site review process is still ongoing, making it almost a year since they decided to reassess.
“The Government appears to be trying to stall the reassessment of these 35 unlawfully deregistered sites, why else would it be taking so long?” Mr Chapple said.
“Is it a coincidence that whilst the Government have taken their time development has continued in some of these sites?
“There’s also the rehashed Aboriginal Heritage Amendment Bill 2014, whose changes could restore these significant sites to the chopping block.
“Indigenous proponents and custodians who deserve to find out the future of their country are instead being forced to wait with little information and or hope.
“Why did the ACMC need to reassess the sites in the first place? They should have been reinstated as soon as the Supreme Court ruling was laid down.
“I urge the Government to finish this review process before any more harm is done and our traditional owners can rest assured knowing their sacred sites are safe.”
For more information please contact Robin Chapple on 0409 379 263 or 9486 8255.