The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) welcomes today’s announcement by the Cook Government providing further clarity regarding implementation of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage (ACH) Act.
In particular, CME looks forward to participating in the implementation group to ensure that any outstanding issues are addressed as we move into the transition phase for the new framework.
CME also welcomes the appointment of an additional four members to the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council, with this body being extremely important to operationalising the new system.
CME Chief Executive Rebecca Tomkinson said it was pleasing to see the Government would be taking the advocated for ‘education-first’ approach to compliance over coming months, giving all stakeholders the opportunity to fully interpret the new laws without risk of unintentionally being in breach of the Act.
“We know that all stakeholders are keen to make this new system of heritage protection work, and this is a practical approach to achieving that,” she said.
“The implementation group will have a range of issues to work through and CME will continue to work with Government and other industry groups to iron out any complexities present across the broader framework.
“The implementation group will enable stakeholders to work through issues as they arise and CME will continue to work collaboratively with Government and other industry groups to iron out any complexities present across the broader framework.
“The WA mining and resources sector has supported the modernisation of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, building on our sector’s ongoing commitment to working with Traditional Owners and Custodians on the protection and management of cultural heritage through agreement making.
“By maintaining an open and inclusive dialogue, we can achieve a balanced approach that safeguards heritage values and supports Western Australia’s economic growth and prosperity.”
