[Greens-Media] Media Release: Major parties renege of Aboriginal heritage commitment

[Ian Cohen]

Ian Cohen MLC
Media Release

28 October 2010

Major parties renege of Aboriginal heritage commitment 
 
NSW Greens MLC Ian Cohen today introduced a motion to Parliament to disallow changes to the way in which harm and destruction of Aboriginal objects can be defended in court. 
 
"The introduction of a range of defences that can be employed when Aboriginal objects are harmed or destroyed demonstrates recent NSW reform is merely window dressing rather than real protection for Aboriginal heritage" said Mr Cohen.
 
"The new National Parks and Wildlife (Aboriginal Objects and Aboriginal Places) Amendment Regulation 2010will allow individuals who have destroyed aboriginal heritage objects to claim a defence that the destruction involved a 'low impact activity'. Some of these activities include major excavation works by mining companies, road works by the RTA and installation of large scale irrigation infrastructure. These are not low impact and may result in destruction of Aboriginal heritage." 
 
"The implication is that those engaged in low impact activities will not seek require a permit, comply with due diligence conditions or check the Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System database." 
 
"I am also particularly worried by parts of the Regulation that mean Aboriginal people cannot challenge a permit if they have not been consulted or where the consultation process has been inadequate. 
 
"I introduced the disallowance motion to rectify the fundamental flaws in the law which give broad scale permission for the destruction and disregard of Aboriginal heritage. The lack of support from the Government and Opposition shows us that when it comes to real action in protecting Aboriginal heritage they are not willing to go any further than mere rhetoric.  
 
"I am sorry that the same Parliament who just recently voted in the long overdue constitutional recognition of Aboriginal people, are willing to stand back and allow the wanton and widespread destruction of what little Aboriginal heritage remains in New South Wales" said Mr Cohen.