- Report of review into Native Title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes in Western Australia's mining and exploration sector released
- New Aboriginal cultural heritage standard to improve certainty for exploration activities
- Incentive payment for Native Title parties to facilitate approvals under consideration
- Cook Labor Government will work with Traditional Owners and industry to improve processes and better manage impacts on Aboriginal cultural heritage.
A new Aboriginal cultural heritage standard for exploration and prospecting will be introduced, providing greater certainty around costs, requirements, and protections, with consideration to be given for an incentive payment for Native Title parties to facilitate approvals.
The reforms form part of the Cook Labor Government's response to the Glen Kelly Review of Native Title and Cultural Heritage Processes.
The package includes:
- clearer guidance to support participation and decision-making;
- stronger standards for heritage consultants through a code of conduct and certification system; and
- improved access to information to encourage earlier engagement between industry and Traditional Owners.
A State-wide Native Title Party Support Strategy will also be developed to build capacity among Prescribed Bodies Corporate and other Native Title organisations, alongside measures to strengthen engagement and dispute resolution.
An additional $3.2 million has been allocated to implement the recommendations.
This builds on existing initiatives, including the $58 million Native Title Party Capacity Building Program, which supports organisations to manage and protect cultural heritage, and the appointment of a dedicated deputy director general of Lands and Heritage at the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
The review was led by the National Native Title Tribunal, with support from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and was provided to government in February.
For further information, including the final report and the Western Australian Government response, head to www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/native-title-and-cultural-heritage-processes-review
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"Native Title is a major feature of Western Australia's social, cultural and economic landscape, which is why it's so important our State's Aboriginal cultural heritage processes acknowledge the role of Traditional Owners and can be navigated with confidence.
"I commend the National Native Title Tribunal for its work on this review, which affirms what we have heard from Traditional Owners and industry about the challenges with the current system and shows a way forward.
"My government is committed to ensuring that Aboriginal cultural heritage processes work for both Traditional Owners and industry, and our response to this review reflects that commitment."
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
"It is critical that both Traditional Owners and industry have confidence in a system that respects, protects and appropriately manages Aboriginal cultural heritage as well as Native Title.
"The review makes clear we need clearer guidance, stronger standards and better access to information so all parties understand their responsibilities and can engage with confidence and certainty.
"As Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, I have heard directly from Traditional Owners about the importance of being properly supported to participate in decisions that affect their cultural heritage. Strengthening that capacity is central to these reforms.
"The Cook Labor Government has committed significant funding in this space, and we will continue working in partnership with Traditional Owner organisations and industry to build on that investment, improve engagement and ensure cultural heritage is respected at every stage of project development."
As stated by Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
"Land access is key enabler for investment in the resources sector. I'm acutely aware that the lack of effective minimum standards for heritage protection in exploration is a significant barrier for industry.
"The Cook Labor Government will modernise Native Title processes for new exploration projects and prospecting licences, while working towards long-term measures that will provide greater certainty for proponents and Traditional Owners alike.
"We're committed to addressing industry concerns about cost and delay while supporting Traditional Owner organisations to manage the impact of mining and exploration on their cultural heritage, in line with contemporary standards."
