WA Greens MLC Robin Chapple says submission window for Indigenous consultation on Heritage Bill “too short”
WA Greens Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Robin Chapple has criticised the state governments allotted time frame for Indigenous consultation and public comment on the draft Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill 2020.
Mr Chapple, speaking generally, referred to the window as “too short a time” between consultation with Indigenous groups and the closing of public comment being just over a week apart.
“The window offered is simply too short to allow the already understaffed and overwhelmed Indigenous bodies and communities to formulate comprehensive submissions amongst all their other regular work”
“I question the motivation behind the rush to bring this Bill into Parliament without opportunities for full and fair consultation with Traditional Owners in a manner where all valid concerns can be then made into a submission”
“The lasting impact of this proposed legislation will be enormous and shape heritage for decades to come - any corners cut will have a devastating impact on the ability of Indigenous West Australians to protect heritage in the future”
Mr Chapple strongly recommends a longer time frame of public comment before submissions close on the 9th of October and a comprehensive breakdown of key points for the general public unfamiliar with legislation.
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