Targeted review to improve Native Title, cultural heritage processes

The WA Government is to undertake a targeted review into Native Title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes in the State’s mining and exploration sector with a focus on improving outcomes for both Traditional Owners and industry.

That review – which will strictly focus on these processes as they pertain to mining and exploration under current legislation – will be conducted in partnership with the National Native Title Tribunal and will identify options to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and equity of WA’s Native Title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes.

Issues it will examine include the interaction of consultation processes under current legislation and the capacity of relevant stakeholders to participate in these processes, and how these processes deliver social, economic and community benefits and contribute to Western Australia’s commitments under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.

“Native Title is a major feature of the social, cultural and economic landscape in Western Australia, with more than 90 per cent of the State subject to a Native Title outcome, Premier Roger Cook said.

“This targeted review is a timely and important opportunity to strengthen the way we manage Aboriginal cultural heritage in WA and find better ways to navigate statutory consultation processes in the mining and exploration sector, under the current legislative frameworks.

“My government is committed to working with Traditional Owners and industry stakeholders to ensure these processes are effective, equitable and support long-term partnerships.”

The targeted review will not consider any legislative amendments.

The four-month review will commence next month and involve a series of on-Country meetings, targeted roundtables and workshops.

A final report is expected to be provided to the State Government by the end of the year.

“The National Native Title Tribunal looks forward to supporting the Western Australian Government to undertake focused and meaningful consultations with Traditional Owners and industry stakeholders to better understand how consultation processes can be improved upon to support Native Title parties to protect, preserve and manage their cultural heritage,” National Native Title Tribunal President Kevin Smith said.

For further information, including the review’s terms of reference, head to www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/native-title-and-cultural-heritage-processes-review