Today, in accordance with Federal cultural heritage law, I have made a partial declaration to protect a significant Aboriginal heritage site at Murujuga, in Western Australia's Pilbara region.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act (ATSIHP Act) allows the Federal Environment Minister to make a declaration protecting a significant Aboriginal heritage area and or objects that are under threat of injury or desecration.
Similar declarations have been made under previous governments, both Labor and Coalition.
The protected area has been carefully managed by the Traditional Owners and Custodians of Murujuga, the Ngarda-Ngarli, for more than 50,000 years.
The significance of the area, including its World Heritage recognised values and rock art, reflects the interaction between people and place over thousands of generations.
This decision follows extensive consultation that demonstrated the area is of particular significance to the Ngarda-Ngarli people in accordance with their traditions.
The declaration will mean additional legal protections placed over part of the area, to ensure Murujuga's ancient rock art is appropriately protected into the future.
Importantly, this decision does not stop industry from operating at Murujuga.
It essentially requires by law companies to do what they have said they will do in cultural heritage management plans - talk to Traditional Owners and Custodians and come to an agreement on how to use current and relevant information and practices to protect this World Heritage land.
The decision also recognises the work being done by industry to ensure the area, including the rock art, is appropriately protected for generations to come.
The Murujuga Cultural Landscape is internationally recognised for its outstanding heritage values following inscription to the World Heritage List in July 2025.
The Albanese Government is committed to protecting First Nations culture and protecting jobs.
It's not one or the other.
The partial declaration and explanatory statement will be available online on the Federal Register of Legislation at www.legislation.gov.au
