PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Western Australian Parliament has passed new laws to protect the state’s Aboriginal cultural heritage.

The Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Bill 2021 provides a modern framework for the recognition, protection, conservation and preservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage while recognising the fundamental importance of Aboriginal cultural heritage to Aboriginal people.  

The Bill repeals the outdated Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and removes the controversial Section 18 approvals process. 

In line with Native Title laws, the Bill embraces the cultural authority of Traditional Owners who will define what is protected and negotiate agreements with land users to ensure significant cultural heritage is managed and protected, the state government said on Wednesday.

The agreement-making approach enshrines the principles of free, prior and informed consent and will transform and reset the relationship between Aboriginal people, proponents and government with respect to cultural heritage management. 

"Western Australia is home to some of the world's oldest known Aboriginal cultural heritage, and some of the world's most significant natural resources,” said Premier Mark McGowan.

"Finding a balance between the protection of that rich cultural heritage and delivering on the economic potential of natural resources to ensure our state's continuing prosperity is crucial. The new legislation strikes a balanced and respectful approach to Aboriginal cultural heritage management and represents national best practice.

“It is an historic and significant reform that aligns with the government's commitment to support the pursuit of self-determination and empowerment of Aboriginal people across the state."

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Stephen Dawson said the laws were the result of widespread consultation and will deliver monumental legislative reform, transforming the way Aboriginal cultural heritage is valued and protected. 

“This contemporary legislation places Traditional Owners at the heart of decision-making about the management and protection of their heritage. It is the only Aboriginal heritage legislation in Australia to require Aboriginal people to give informed consent for agreements reached.

“Parliament's passage of the Bill is a significant milestone in this important reform process, but it is not the end of the process. Consultation with Aboriginal people, industry and the Western Australian community will continue throughout implementation, starting with a co-design approach to the supporting documents that will help enact these new laws."

The state government will convene a working group of Traditional Owners, industry and government representatives to oversee the co-design process for the mechanisms that will enable the laws to be implemented, including the drafting of regulations, capacity development and detail around the consultation and agreement-making processes.