Question regarding the absence of industry representatives (e.g., Chamber of Minerals and Energy, WAFarmers) on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Committee and whether this was a government decision or industry request. The Minister states they are unsure if industry representation was ever requested.

AnsweredQoN 466Legislative Assembly
Asked
9 August 2023
Portfolio
Aboriginal Affairs

QuestionView source ↗

ABORIGINAL CULTURAL HERITAGE COMMITTEE —
MEMBERSHIP
466. Ms M.J. DAVIES to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs:
I have a supplementary question. I thank
the minister for confirming that there will be no specific industry
representatives such as from the Chamber of Minerals and Energy or WAFarmers.
Could the minister advise whether this was considered by government in the
formulation of these amendments, or whether it was a requested by industry
representatives?

AnswerView source ↗

I do not know whether there has ever
been representation made by industry in respect to that. I do not know. I do
not think so in regards to the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Committee—what
began under the 2021 act. Obviously, we made the announcement only yesterday
about the new amendments, so I assume there would not have been any representation in that time. The current
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Committee for the 2021 act and the previous Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee have never had industry-specific
representation because that is not what they are there for. They are there for
their expertise in areas that will help the process of section 18 applications.
They are there for their expertise and, for a number of members, because of
their Indigenous backgrounds.

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