Department of Indigenous Affairs

New members sought for WA heritage body

Posted: May 14th, 2013

Filed under: Aboriginal Heritage Act, ACMC, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Heritage

Deadline extended for comment on WA heritage review

Posted: June 7th, 2012

Filed under: Aboriginal Heritage Act, Department of Indigenous Affairs

The WA Department of Indigenous Affairs yesterday announced that it has extended the deadline for lodging submissions on the Department’s Discussion Paper outlining proposed changes to the WA Aboriginal heritage regime.

The deadline for comments is now Tuesday, 26 June.

Click here for more information on the review and discussion paper

Wajarri Yamatji Traditional Owner Speaks Out On Proposed Heritage Reforms

Posted: May 25th, 2012

Filed under: ABC, Aboriginal Heritage Act, Anthony Dann, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Traditional Owners.

In an interview this morning on ABC Mid West radio, Wajarri Yamatji Traditional Owner, Anthony Dann, has responded to the State Government’s recent discussion paper on proposed changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (AHA).

In the interview, Mr Dann strongly outlined his concerns about the short timeframe for comment on such significant changes to the protection of Aboriginal heritage, and the lack of consultation with Traditional Owners over the proposed reforms.

Mr Dann said that Aboriginal people are rapidly losing their input into heritage development under the AHA, as Traditional Owners aren’t offered the same appeal opportunities as land developers.

After announcing a 12 month review into Aboriginal cultural heritage processes last May, the Government has held no formal consultation with Traditional Owners and only allowed five weeks for comment on the proposed changes to the AHA outlined in the discussion paper.

Mr Dann also said a significant review of the AHA was needed because it does not provide adequate protection for Aboriginal Heritage, and that Native Title negotiation processes are at present the only means for Traditional Owners to take part in consultations over protected Aboriginal sites.

For more information about the proposed reforms to the AHA, including links to the discussion paper and YMAC’s media release, please click here.

YMAC speaks out on proposed reforms

Posted: May 1st, 2012

Filed under: Aboriginal Heritage Act, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Simon Hawkins

The Minister for Indigenous Affairs has today released a discussion paper on proposed changes to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972.

There has been no formal consultation on the proposed changes so far, including with Aboriginal people. Now there are just five weeks for the general public to comment on the proposals.

It is YMAC’s view that the proposals focus too much on the approval process for industry and not enough on improving processes for the effective conservation and protection of Aboriginal heritage sites.

Simon Hawkins, YMAC CEO said today, “Aboriginal people are not just another set of stakeholders. This is their heritage and they deserve an opportunity to provide meaningful input into the reform process. I am sceptical about the current process and of course the short timeframe will not allow for those negatively affected to have their say.”

Click here to download YMAC’s full media release.

Click here for the Department of Indigenous Affairs Discussion Paper

YMAC welcomes the Auditor General’s findings on heritage

Posted: October 17th, 2011

Filed under: Aboriginal Heritage Act, Auditor General, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Heritage, Peter Jeffries

YMAC welcomes the findings of the recent Auditor General’s report on compliance with mining conditions, which highlights what Traditional Owners already know: that Aboriginal heritage in WA is not being adequately protected by the State.