❓ A parliamentary question addresses concerns about Aboriginal heritage sites along the planned railway route and seeks assurance that agreements are in place to prevent legal action. The Minister outlines extensive consultations and conditions agreed upon with Aboriginal groups, promising to table relevant documentation later.
AnsweredQoN 1028Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
In view of the fact that there are 20 registered Aboriginal heritage sites along the lines of the planned Como route for the southern railway, and in view of the contradiction by some of Aboriginal people of the minister’s assurance that agreement had been reached with Aboriginal people - (1) Will the minister assure the Parliament that - (a) agreement has been reached with respect to all such sites; and (b) such agreement is in such terms that it excludes legal action, whether under state or commonwealth legislation, with regard to those sites that will impede the construction of the railway? (2) If the minister is unable to give that assurance will she give such lesser or qualified assurance as the agreement enables her to give; and, if not, why not? (3) In order to permit the people of Western Australia to judge for themselves, and in the interests of open and accountable government, will the minister table the agreement or those agreements; and, if not, why not? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There have been very constructive and positive discussions between the State Government and the Aboriginal community on the New MetroRail project. Consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994. With the adoption of the fast, direct route, professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants were engaged to identify all significant Aboriginal sites and groups along the new alignment for the south west metropolitan railway. Following this process, all relevant Aboriginal groups were consulted and their agreement obtained for the project where there is any possible impact on registered Aboriginal sites. The consultations were undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The provisions of the State Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 have been complied with and the appropriate applications for approval to work in the vicinity of registered Aboriginal sites have been granted or are in the process of being considered. All due procedures, as advised by the professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants commissioned by the project and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, were complied with. The groups have been included in consultations to date and those that will be involved in the ongoing consultation are the Swan Valley and Garlett group, the Wilkes group, the Corunna group, the Bibbulmun group, the Ballaruk group, the independent Aboriginal environment group and the Jacobs group. These groups have all signed approvals for the project subject to the Government meeting a number of conditions including ongoing meetings with the relevant Aboriginal groups, Aboriginal monitors being employed while earthworks are carried out, a station being named after a local Aboriginal personality, Aboriginal representatives being involved in the ceremony marking the commencement of the construction works and the official opening ceremony of the railway, and the identification of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people on the project. Constructive meetings about employment opportunities have already been held between New MetroRail and leading indigenous employment and training groups. The Government is committed to delivering these very reasonable and appropriate conditions. The Government embraces the opportunity to give proper recognition and respect to Aboriginal heritage and sees the rail project as providing real opportunities to advance reconciliation. (2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
(1) Will the minister assure the Parliament that - (a) agreement has been reached with respect to all such sites; and (b) such agreement is in such terms that it excludes legal action, whether under state or commonwealth legislation, with regard to those sites that will impede the construction of the railway? (2) If the minister is unable to give that assurance will she give such lesser or qualified assurance as the agreement enables her to give; and, if not, why not? (3) In order to permit the people of Western Australia to judge for themselves, and in the interests of open and accountable government, will the minister table the agreement or those agreements; and, if not, why not? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There have been very constructive and positive discussions between the State Government and the Aboriginal community on the New MetroRail project. Consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994. With the adoption of the fast, direct route, professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants were engaged to identify all significant Aboriginal sites and groups along the new alignment for the south west metropolitan railway. Following this process, all relevant Aboriginal groups were consulted and their agreement obtained for the project where there is any possible impact on registered Aboriginal sites. The consultations were undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The provisions of the State Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 have been complied with and the appropriate applications for approval to work in the vicinity of registered Aboriginal sites have been granted or are in the process of being considered. All due procedures, as advised by the professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants commissioned by the project and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, were complied with. The groups have been included in consultations to date and those that will be involved in the ongoing consultation are the Swan Valley and Garlett group, the Wilkes group, the Corunna group, the Bibbulmun group, the Ballaruk group, the independent Aboriginal environment group and the Jacobs group. These groups have all signed approvals for the project subject to the Government meeting a number of conditions including ongoing meetings with the relevant Aboriginal groups, Aboriginal monitors being employed while earthworks are carried out, a station being named after a local Aboriginal personality, Aboriginal representatives being involved in the ceremony marking the commencement of the construction works and the official opening ceremony of the railway, and the identification of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people on the project. Constructive meetings about employment opportunities have already been held between New MetroRail and leading indigenous employment and training groups. The Government is committed to delivering these very reasonable and appropriate conditions. The Government embraces the opportunity to give proper recognition and respect to Aboriginal heritage and sees the rail project as providing real opportunities to advance reconciliation. (2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
(b) such agreement is in such terms that it excludes legal action, whether under state or commonwealth legislation, with regard to those sites that will impede the construction of the railway?
(3) In order to permit the people of Western Australia to judge for themselves, and in the interests of open and accountable government, will the minister table the agreement or those agreements; and, if not, why not? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There have been very constructive and positive discussions between the State Government and the Aboriginal community on the New MetroRail project. Consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994. With the adoption of the fast, direct route, professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants were engaged to identify all significant Aboriginal sites and groups along the new alignment for the south west metropolitan railway. Following this process, all relevant Aboriginal groups were consulted and their agreement obtained for the project where there is any possible impact on registered Aboriginal sites. The consultations were undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The provisions of the State Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 have been complied with and the appropriate applications for approval to work in the vicinity of registered Aboriginal sites have been granted or are in the process of being considered. All due procedures, as advised by the professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants commissioned by the project and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, were complied with. The groups have been included in consultations to date and those that will be involved in the ongoing consultation are the Swan Valley and Garlett group, the Wilkes group, the Corunna group, the Bibbulmun group, the Ballaruk group, the independent Aboriginal environment group and the Jacobs group. These groups have all signed approvals for the project subject to the Government meeting a number of conditions including ongoing meetings with the relevant Aboriginal groups, Aboriginal monitors being employed while earthworks are carried out, a station being named after a local Aboriginal personality, Aboriginal representatives being involved in the ceremony marking the commencement of the construction works and the official opening ceremony of the railway, and the identification of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people on the project. Constructive meetings about employment opportunities have already been held between New MetroRail and leading indigenous employment and training groups. The Government is committed to delivering these very reasonable and appropriate conditions. The Government embraces the opportunity to give proper recognition and respect to Aboriginal heritage and sees the rail project as providing real opportunities to advance reconciliation. (2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There have been very constructive and positive discussions between the State Government and the Aboriginal community on the New MetroRail project. Consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994. With the adoption of the fast, direct route, professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants were engaged to identify all significant Aboriginal sites and groups along the new alignment for the south west metropolitan railway. Following this process, all relevant Aboriginal groups were consulted and their agreement obtained for the project where there is any possible impact on registered Aboriginal sites. The consultations were undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The provisions of the State Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 have been complied with and the appropriate applications for approval to work in the vicinity of registered Aboriginal sites have been granted or are in the process of being considered. All due procedures, as advised by the professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants commissioned by the project and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, were complied with. The groups have been included in consultations to date and those that will be involved in the ongoing consultation are the Swan Valley and Garlett group, the Wilkes group, the Corunna group, the Bibbulmun group, the Ballaruk group, the independent Aboriginal environment group and the Jacobs group. These groups have all signed approvals for the project subject to the Government meeting a number of conditions including ongoing meetings with the relevant Aboriginal groups, Aboriginal monitors being employed while earthworks are carried out, a station being named after a local Aboriginal personality, Aboriginal representatives being involved in the ceremony marking the commencement of the construction works and the official opening ceremony of the railway, and the identification of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people on the project. Constructive meetings about employment opportunities have already been held between New MetroRail and leading indigenous employment and training groups. The Government is committed to delivering these very reasonable and appropriate conditions. The Government embraces the opportunity to give proper recognition and respect to Aboriginal heritage and sees the rail project as providing real opportunities to advance reconciliation. (2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There have been very constructive and positive discussions between the State Government and the Aboriginal community on the New MetroRail project. Consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994. With the adoption of the fast, direct route, professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants were engaged to identify all significant Aboriginal sites and groups along the new alignment for the south west metropolitan railway. Following this process, all relevant Aboriginal groups were consulted and their agreement obtained for the project where there is any possible impact on registered Aboriginal sites. The consultations were undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The provisions of the State Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 have been complied with and the appropriate applications for approval to work in the vicinity of registered Aboriginal sites have been granted or are in the process of being considered. All due procedures, as advised by the professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants commissioned by the project and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, were complied with. The groups have been included in consultations to date and those that will be involved in the ongoing consultation are the Swan Valley and Garlett group, the Wilkes group, the Corunna group, the Bibbulmun group, the Ballaruk group, the independent Aboriginal environment group and the Jacobs group. These groups have all signed approvals for the project subject to the Government meeting a number of conditions including ongoing meetings with the relevant Aboriginal groups, Aboriginal monitors being employed while earthworks are carried out, a station being named after a local Aboriginal personality, Aboriginal representatives being involved in the ceremony marking the commencement of the construction works and the official opening ceremony of the railway, and the identification of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people on the project. Constructive meetings about employment opportunities have already been held between New MetroRail and leading indigenous employment and training groups. The Government is committed to delivering these very reasonable and appropriate conditions. The Government embraces the opportunity to give proper recognition and respect to Aboriginal heritage and sees the rail project as providing real opportunities to advance reconciliation. (2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
(1) There have been very constructive and positive discussions between the State Government and the Aboriginal community on the New MetroRail project. Consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994. With the adoption of the fast, direct route, professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants were engaged to identify all significant Aboriginal sites and groups along the new alignment for the south west metropolitan railway. Following this process, all relevant Aboriginal groups were consulted and their agreement obtained for the project where there is any possible impact on registered Aboriginal sites. The consultations were undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The provisions of the State Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 have been complied with and the appropriate applications for approval to work in the vicinity of registered Aboriginal sites have been granted or are in the process of being considered. All due procedures, as advised by the professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants commissioned by the project and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, were complied with. The groups have been included in consultations to date and those that will be involved in the ongoing consultation are the Swan Valley and Garlett group, the Wilkes group, the Corunna group, the Bibbulmun group, the Ballaruk group, the independent Aboriginal environment group and the Jacobs group. These groups have all signed approvals for the project subject to the Government meeting a number of conditions including ongoing meetings with the relevant Aboriginal groups, Aboriginal monitors being employed while earthworks are carried out, a station being named after a local Aboriginal personality, Aboriginal representatives being involved in the ceremony marking the commencement of the construction works and the official opening ceremony of the railway, and the identification of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people on the project. Constructive meetings about employment opportunities have already been held between New MetroRail and leading indigenous employment and training groups. The Government is committed to delivering these very reasonable and appropriate conditions. The Government embraces the opportunity to give proper recognition and respect to Aboriginal heritage and sees the rail project as providing real opportunities to advance reconciliation. (2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
(2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
(1) Will the minister assure the Parliament that - (a) agreement has been reached with respect to all such sites; and (b) such agreement is in such terms that it excludes legal action, whether under state or commonwealth legislation, with regard to those sites that will impede the construction of the railway? (2) If the minister is unable to give that assurance will she give such lesser or qualified assurance as the agreement enables her to give; and, if not, why not? (3) In order to permit the people of Western Australia to judge for themselves, and in the interests of open and accountable government, will the minister table the agreement or those agreements; and, if not, why not? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There have been very constructive and positive discussions between the State Government and the Aboriginal community on the New MetroRail project. Consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994. With the adoption of the fast, direct route, professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants were engaged to identify all significant Aboriginal sites and groups along the new alignment for the south west metropolitan railway. Following this process, all relevant Aboriginal groups were consulted and their agreement obtained for the project where there is any possible impact on registered Aboriginal sites. The consultations were undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The provisions of the State Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 have been complied with and the appropriate applications for approval to work in the vicinity of registered Aboriginal sites have been granted or are in the process of being considered. All due procedures, as advised by the professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants commissioned by the project and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, were complied with. The groups have been included in consultations to date and those that will be involved in the ongoing consultation are the Swan Valley and Garlett group, the Wilkes group, the Corunna group, the Bibbulmun group, the Ballaruk group, the independent Aboriginal environment group and the Jacobs group. These groups have all signed approvals for the project subject to the Government meeting a number of conditions including ongoing meetings with the relevant Aboriginal groups, Aboriginal monitors being employed while earthworks are carried out, a station being named after a local Aboriginal personality, Aboriginal representatives being involved in the ceremony marking the commencement of the construction works and the official opening ceremony of the railway, and the identification of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people on the project. Constructive meetings about employment opportunities have already been held between New MetroRail and leading indigenous employment and training groups. The Government is committed to delivering these very reasonable and appropriate conditions. The Government embraces the opportunity to give proper recognition and respect to Aboriginal heritage and sees the rail project as providing real opportunities to advance reconciliation. (2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
(b) such agreement is in such terms that it excludes legal action, whether under state or commonwealth legislation, with regard to those sites that will impede the construction of the railway?
(3) In order to permit the people of Western Australia to judge for themselves, and in the interests of open and accountable government, will the minister table the agreement or those agreements; and, if not, why not? Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There have been very constructive and positive discussions between the State Government and the Aboriginal community on the New MetroRail project. Consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994. With the adoption of the fast, direct route, professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants were engaged to identify all significant Aboriginal sites and groups along the new alignment for the south west metropolitan railway. Following this process, all relevant Aboriginal groups were consulted and their agreement obtained for the project where there is any possible impact on registered Aboriginal sites. The consultations were undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The provisions of the State Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 have been complied with and the appropriate applications for approval to work in the vicinity of registered Aboriginal sites have been granted or are in the process of being considered. All due procedures, as advised by the professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants commissioned by the project and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, were complied with. The groups have been included in consultations to date and those that will be involved in the ongoing consultation are the Swan Valley and Garlett group, the Wilkes group, the Corunna group, the Bibbulmun group, the Ballaruk group, the independent Aboriginal environment group and the Jacobs group. These groups have all signed approvals for the project subject to the Government meeting a number of conditions including ongoing meetings with the relevant Aboriginal groups, Aboriginal monitors being employed while earthworks are carried out, a station being named after a local Aboriginal personality, Aboriginal representatives being involved in the ceremony marking the commencement of the construction works and the official opening ceremony of the railway, and the identification of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people on the project. Constructive meetings about employment opportunities have already been held between New MetroRail and leading indigenous employment and training groups. The Government is committed to delivering these very reasonable and appropriate conditions. The Government embraces the opportunity to give proper recognition and respect to Aboriginal heritage and sees the rail project as providing real opportunities to advance reconciliation. (2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
Hon GRAHAM GIFFARD replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There have been very constructive and positive discussions between the State Government and the Aboriginal community on the New MetroRail project. Consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994. With the adoption of the fast, direct route, professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants were engaged to identify all significant Aboriginal sites and groups along the new alignment for the south west metropolitan railway. Following this process, all relevant Aboriginal groups were consulted and their agreement obtained for the project where there is any possible impact on registered Aboriginal sites. The consultations were undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The provisions of the State Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 have been complied with and the appropriate applications for approval to work in the vicinity of registered Aboriginal sites have been granted or are in the process of being considered. All due procedures, as advised by the professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants commissioned by the project and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, were complied with. The groups have been included in consultations to date and those that will be involved in the ongoing consultation are the Swan Valley and Garlett group, the Wilkes group, the Corunna group, the Bibbulmun group, the Ballaruk group, the independent Aboriginal environment group and the Jacobs group. These groups have all signed approvals for the project subject to the Government meeting a number of conditions including ongoing meetings with the relevant Aboriginal groups, Aboriginal monitors being employed while earthworks are carried out, a station being named after a local Aboriginal personality, Aboriginal representatives being involved in the ceremony marking the commencement of the construction works and the official opening ceremony of the railway, and the identification of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people on the project. Constructive meetings about employment opportunities have already been held between New MetroRail and leading indigenous employment and training groups. The Government is committed to delivering these very reasonable and appropriate conditions. The Government embraces the opportunity to give proper recognition and respect to Aboriginal heritage and sees the rail project as providing real opportunities to advance reconciliation. (2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. (1) There have been very constructive and positive discussions between the State Government and the Aboriginal community on the New MetroRail project. Consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994. With the adoption of the fast, direct route, professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants were engaged to identify all significant Aboriginal sites and groups along the new alignment for the south west metropolitan railway. Following this process, all relevant Aboriginal groups were consulted and their agreement obtained for the project where there is any possible impact on registered Aboriginal sites. The consultations were undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The provisions of the State Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 have been complied with and the appropriate applications for approval to work in the vicinity of registered Aboriginal sites have been granted or are in the process of being considered. All due procedures, as advised by the professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants commissioned by the project and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, were complied with. The groups have been included in consultations to date and those that will be involved in the ongoing consultation are the Swan Valley and Garlett group, the Wilkes group, the Corunna group, the Bibbulmun group, the Ballaruk group, the independent Aboriginal environment group and the Jacobs group. These groups have all signed approvals for the project subject to the Government meeting a number of conditions including ongoing meetings with the relevant Aboriginal groups, Aboriginal monitors being employed while earthworks are carried out, a station being named after a local Aboriginal personality, Aboriginal representatives being involved in the ceremony marking the commencement of the construction works and the official opening ceremony of the railway, and the identification of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people on the project. Constructive meetings about employment opportunities have already been held between New MetroRail and leading indigenous employment and training groups. The Government is committed to delivering these very reasonable and appropriate conditions. The Government embraces the opportunity to give proper recognition and respect to Aboriginal heritage and sees the rail project as providing real opportunities to advance reconciliation. (2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
(1) There have been very constructive and positive discussions between the State Government and the Aboriginal community on the New MetroRail project. Consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994. With the adoption of the fast, direct route, professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants were engaged to identify all significant Aboriginal sites and groups along the new alignment for the south west metropolitan railway. Following this process, all relevant Aboriginal groups were consulted and their agreement obtained for the project where there is any possible impact on registered Aboriginal sites. The consultations were undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set by the Department of Indigenous Affairs. The provisions of the State Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 have been complied with and the appropriate applications for approval to work in the vicinity of registered Aboriginal sites have been granted or are in the process of being considered. All due procedures, as advised by the professionally qualified and experienced anthropological and ethnographic consultants commissioned by the project and the Department of Indigenous Affairs, were complied with. The groups have been included in consultations to date and those that will be involved in the ongoing consultation are the Swan Valley and Garlett group, the Wilkes group, the Corunna group, the Bibbulmun group, the Ballaruk group, the independent Aboriginal environment group and the Jacobs group. These groups have all signed approvals for the project subject to the Government meeting a number of conditions including ongoing meetings with the relevant Aboriginal groups, Aboriginal monitors being employed while earthworks are carried out, a station being named after a local Aboriginal personality, Aboriginal representatives being involved in the ceremony marking the commencement of the construction works and the official opening ceremony of the railway, and the identification of employment opportunities for Aboriginal people on the project. Constructive meetings about employment opportunities have already been held between New MetroRail and leading indigenous employment and training groups. The Government is committed to delivering these very reasonable and appropriate conditions. The Government embraces the opportunity to give proper recognition and respect to Aboriginal heritage and sees the rail project as providing real opportunities to advance reconciliation. (2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
(2)-(3) As consultation with the Aboriginal community in relation to the south west metropolitan railway has been ongoing since 1994, it has not been possible in the time available to identify and collate all the relevant reports. Copies of the consultation reports, complete with the requirements of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and signed statements from the Aboriginal groups consulted, will be tabled when all the relevant documentation has been identified and collated.
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