Regional WAKimberleyThe Kimberley EchoIndigenous AustraliansState Politics
Wyatt seeks historic overhaul of Aboriginal Heritage Act
Tom ZaunmayrThe Kimberley Echo
Fri, 8 March 2019 8:23AM
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Welcome to Country at Perth Convention Centre
VideoWelcome to country performed at the unveiling of proposals to overhaul WA's Aboriginal Heritage Act.
The State Government will seek to throw the book out in its attempt to overhaul WA's 47-year-old Aboriginal Heritage Act to strengthen protection of indigenous sites and cut red tape for industry.
Aboriginal groups and industry both welcomed proposals from the Aboriginal Heritage Act review unveiled in a discussion paper by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt yesterday.
Key to new legislation would be granting traditional owners the right of appeal over decisions to authorise land use.
A tiered approvals process to fast-track projects with minimal impact on Aboriginal sites would also be introduced.
Mr Wyatt said there was an overwhelming view the act needed to be replaced, not amended.
"I'd be surprised if we don't end up with a new act as opposed to trying to simply amend something that is so old, so unwieldy and so unworkable," he said.
"If I can go to parliament early next year and say 'this is an act that has gone through consultation with all key stakeholders, everybody wants to see the act replaced'... I am confident it will pass."
Mr Wyatt said it was too early to determine if extra resources would be needed to administer a new act.
Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Simon Hawkins said the appeals process proposal was a big step forward.
"It is their heritage, they are the primary contact on these matters and should therefore have right of appeal if someone is impacting on their heritage," he said.
Kimberley Aboriginal Land Council deputy chief executive Tyronne Garstone said he felt Aboriginal people had been listened to during the consultation process.
"However I know there is still a lot more to play out, so hopefully it doesn't become too political," he said.
Association of Mining and Exploration Companies chief executive Warren Pearce said any legislation would need to be supported by efficient administration.
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