The Coalition will fix the broken Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection (ATSIHP) Act to ensure that these laws are fit for purpose.
The broken laws, brought in under the Hawke Government in 1984, are now being increasingly weaponised by small groups to stop job-creating, economy-driving projects that destroy community amenity. This has been emboldened and enlivened through Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s botched section 10 declaration, that has all but halted the $1 billion McPhillamys gold mine from going ahead.
The Labor Government promised new cultural heritage protection laws, but have failed to deliver even a draft piece of legislation. Shadow Minister for the Environment, Fisheries and Forestry, Jonno Duniam, says that the Government has enabled claims that aren’t a reflection of community expectations, and cannot be trusted to deliver reform.
“A Coalition Government will get the balance right. It is not okay that a small group of people can hold to ransom the futures of communities on claims that aren’t informed by Aboriginal Land Councils who are the legislated cultural authority of regions,” Senator Duniam said.
“Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s reckless section 10 declaration on the Blayney gold mine has created a dangerous precedent. The Minister promised new cultural heritage laws but has not delivered a skerrick of new reform. It is another Labor mess that the Coalition will have to clean up.”
“We can protect our Indigenous cultural heritage and grow our economy. Labor haven’t done this, and neither will they be able to get the balance right in any rewrite.”
Nationals Candidate for Calare, Sam Farraway, is concerned that the current laws are being even more weaponised.
“The ATSIHP Act is being used and abused by local activist groups who are emboldened by Tanya Plibersek’s decision that blocked McPhillamys gold mine in my community from going ahead.”
“This legislation clearly needs to be fixed. But we aren’t getting any assurances from Labor who have failed in this area.”
“Mount Panorama is an iconic landmark that is for everyone to use. It brings economic prosperity to our region and brings our community together. I will not stand by to see a group of activists restrict its use.”
Comments