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During her visit to Kununurra, Minister for the Kimberley Ljiljanna Ravlich called in at the Kimberley Echo to discuss local issues. Concerns over the implications of the Aboriginal Heritage Act (AHA), its shortcomings and its massive cost to development were discussed. Ms Ravlich undertook to follow up on the issue and soon after wrote to the Echo saying she had taken the matter up with Indigenous Affairs Minister John Kobelke. The ever-diligent Ms Ravlich then forwarded the Minister's reply to the Echo last week and we thank her for her efforts in following through, something we have rarely seen from politicians in the past (with some exceptions). Whilst Ms Ravlich's dedication is to be applauded, Mr Kobelke's response is nothing short of disturbing. |
Mr Kobelke said the Kimberley Echo's concerns about the amount of 'small claims' may relate to native title issues - wrong. Our concerns are the costly heritage clearances needed every time a project needs to go ahead, such as the clearing of some trees for the Kimberley Moon Experience and the more recent housing development in Lakeside. Mr Kobelke then goes on to describe the AHA as 'one of the most effective Aboriginal heritage laws in Australia'. Effective at what Mr Kobelke - slowing development and creating insecurity? He then goes on to brag that the legislation has no 'sunset clause'. Hell's bells - this means that an area can be cleared of Aboriginal heritage and then 12 months down the track someone can walk up and claim there is a heritage site in the area, effectively stopping development. |
The legislation has more holes in it than a sieve. Mr Kobelke goes on to say that his government has amended the legislation increasing fines for people who ignore heritage sites from $500 to $20,000 or $50,000 for a corporation. Oh yes, that'll help fix the problems. Get in touch with the reality Mr Kobelke - the Kimberley Land Council is using the money from heritage clearances to fund its operations. The archaeologists from Perth, who cost a fortune to get up here, do not know more than the local Aboriginal people about sacred sites. It is obvious that as native title is settled the Kimberley Land Council becomes irrelevant and it now sees its future in becoming the representative body dealing with heritage clearances - often against the wishes of local Aboriginal people.
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