In a bombshell back flip the controversial Aboriginal Heritage Act is set to be scrapped in Western Australia.
As farmers and land owners rejoiced, the premier was hiding from cameras on Saturday – despite being Roger Cook’s biggest test yet as premier, it was left to cabinet colleagues to fight the fire.
But government minster Stephen Dawson, wouldn’t be drawn on the scrapping of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act – legislation his office drew up.
“The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs continues to have conversations about a way forward … about what needs to change,” Dawson said.
Rio Tinto’s destruction of two rock shelters in Juukan Gorge in May 2020 prompted the swift law change.
Following a senate inquiry, a bill was tabled in October 2021 and approved just two months later.
Fast forward 18 months and the new premier faced pressure to scrap the legislation.
Just two days before it came in to force, Cook suspended any fines handed out in the first 12 months.
Finally it launched on July 1 this year but it’s been a shakey four weeks.
Council tree planting ceremonies in Perth and regional WA have been cancelled after organisers of one say they were asked to fork out a staggering $2.5 million dollars from an aboriginal land corporation in order to be given the go-ahead.
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Farmers are relieved there’s been a backflip.
“For starters they’ve been paralysed with fears of a up to $10 million fine and jail and not being able to get on with the business of running their farms in the manner they’re use to doing so,” John Hassell of WA Farmers told 9News.
But traditional owners representing Juukan Gorge – the site of the mining disaster in 2020 – say they’re shattered.
In a statement, they urged the federal government “to show leadership and proceed with the introduction of a new Australia-wide regime for cultural heritage protection”.
“Very disappointing, very saddened,” cultural consultant Michelle Nelson-Cox told 9News.
“It’s not so much a slap in the face, it’s more a stake to the heart.”
The Cook Government is being accused of backing down following pressure from the Prime Minister amid concerns backlash to the controversial law knocked down support among West Australians for The Voice to Parliament referendum.
But Perth MP and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, Patrick Gorman, says that’s not the case.
“The Commonwealth Government’s been very clear that this is a state matter,” he told 9News.
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