$11m for Aboriginal heritage

The state government has earmarked $11 million in the upcoming budget to support passage of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill

That Bill will replace the existing Aboriginal heritage act, with Aboriginal people given more dominant decision-making powers.

Western Australia’s Native Title Alliance had called on the state government to halt the progression of the Bill in June, arguing it should not be presented to parliament until traditional owners are better consulted.

The WA Alliance said members believed the consultation period had not been sufficient and expressed their disappointment at the process.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson said the Bill includes funding for the establishment, administration, and capacity-building of Local Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Services (LACHS), which he said will be the primary decision maker and of cultural heritage within appointed areas.

“Local Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Services (LACHS) will be required to fulfil critical statutory functions and the State Government recognises this will need financial support,” he said

"The central foundation of the new Bill is consultation, negotiation and agreement making between Traditional Owners (or their appointed representatives) and proponents.”

"Fundamentally, this legislation will ensure Aboriginal people can define and assert the significance of their cultural heritage and, with this authority, be able to negotiate agreements with miners and other land users.”