The following is a statement from Mardudhunera woman Raelene Cooper, Federal Court victor and former Chair of the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation regarding amendments introduced by the government to the OPGGS Bill governing offshore oil and gas approvals:
"The government said it wanted more Indigenous consultation but now, just months after the Voice failed, they are undermining their own review process and sneaking things into legislation to avoid consulting with traditional custodians."
"I am making a submission to Madeleine King's NOSPEMA review process but before it is even finished the government has completely pre-empted it by introducing new laws to make it easy to sidestep regulations and whitewash community concerns. It is shameful the government is using a bill designed to protect workers after injuries and death at Woodside's Burrup Hub, to wipe out environmental approvals."
"This is just another move designed to cut Aboriginal people out of decision-making and to silence Aboriginal voices. Madeleine King is taking her instructions from the oil and gas industry and sidelining the environment, First Nations people and her own cabinet in the process."
"Meanwhile, the gas industry has set up their own traditional owner body, the Sea Country Alliance, who give the government what they want - a greenlight to keep putting projects on our songlines and sacred sites."
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