- Former National Native Title Tribunal member Glen Kelly to chair group
- New working group to modernise native title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes
- Interim Heritage Standard and mining agreement framework to be developed
- Reforms to deliver greater clarity, consistency and fairness for Traditional Owners and industry
Former National Native Title Tribunal member Glen Kelly has been appointed to chair a new working group which will help drive the next stage of reforms to native title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes in Western Australia.
The Native Title and Heritage Standards Working Group will bring together Traditional Owners, industry representatives and technical experts to help progress key recommendations from Mr Kelly’s independent Review of Native Title and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Processes.
Its initial priorities include developing an Interim Heritage Standard for mineral exploration activities and a standard process agreement for mining tenements.
These reforms are designed to provide greater clarity, consistency and certainty for Traditional Owners and industry while strengthening the protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage.
The Cook Labor Government has committed to implementing the majority of the Review’s recommendations to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and fairness of native title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes associated with mining and exploration.
The Working Group will be supported by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and work closely with the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration, the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, and the State Solicitor’s Office.
As stated by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Don Punch:
“The establishment of this working group marks an important step in progressing reforms to native title and Aboriginal cultural heritage processes in Western Australia.
“With Glen Kelly chairing the group, we have an experienced and respected leader to help guide this work and build on the recommendations of his independent review.
“Bringing together Traditional Owners, industry and technical experts will help ensure practical and balanced solutions are developed.
“The Cook Labor Government is committed to practical reforms that provide greater certainty for all parties, while ensuring Aboriginal cultural heritage is appropriately recognised and protected.”
