❓ Question regarding governance concerns within the Wadjuk Aboriginal Corporation and its impact on heritage assessments and land use in the Perth area. The Minister's response indicates oversight by the Noongar Boodja Trust and continued engagement with SWALSC.
AnsweredQoN 66Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Wadjuk Aboriginal Corporation
66. Hon Neil Thomson to the Leader of the House representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs:
I refer to a series of recent reports in The Australian and the National Indigenous Times raising serious
governance concerns affecting the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, an
organisation that appears to claim to be wholly and singularly responsible for
Aboriginal heritage assessments across Whadjuk Noongar boodja, Perth land.
(1) Has the minister taken any action in response to
reports of poor governance and unacceptable behaviour of senior figures in
the WAC—for example, that the chair "screamed at his chief executive,
Ms Lisa Dobrin, 'better watch out, woman, as you're on notice'", and to
the comments by a fellow board member, who is not Aboriginal, saying, "I'm
sick of you white people; sit down and shut up"?
(2)
Is the minister aware of the threat by the WAC demanding all "land use
work on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja, Perth land, must immediately cease further
activity unless authorised by the SWALS"?
(3)
Is the minister aware of any projects that have been stopped or delayed by this
threat?
66. Hon Neil Thomson to the Leader of the House representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs:
I refer to a series of recent reports in The Australian and the National Indigenous Times raising serious
governance concerns affecting the Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation, an
organisation that appears to claim to be wholly and singularly responsible for
Aboriginal heritage assessments across Whadjuk Noongar boodja, Perth land.
(1) Has the minister taken any action in response to
reports of poor governance and unacceptable behaviour of senior figures in
the WAC—for example, that the chair "screamed at his chief executive,
Ms Lisa Dobrin, 'better watch out, woman, as you're on notice'", and to
the comments by a fellow board member, who is not Aboriginal, saying, "I'm
sick of you white people; sit down and shut up"?
(2)
Is the minister aware of the threat by the WAC demanding all "land use
work on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja, Perth land, must immediately cease further
activity unless authorised by the SWALS"?
(3)
Is the minister aware of any projects that have been stopped or delayed by this
threat?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the
question. The following answer has been provided on behalf of the Minister for
Aboriginal Affairs.
(1)
Under the south west settlement, the trustee of the Noongar Boodja Trust has responsibility
for oversight of the governance of the regional corporations. I understand the trustee
is actively exercising its powers to require the Wadjuk Aboriginal Corporation
to comply with settlement requirements and is continuing to keep my department
informed on next steps.
(2)
State government and industry proponents with Noongar Standard Heritage Agreements
within the Whadjuk area should continue to engage with the South West Aboriginal
Land and Sea Council, which currently coordinates heritage activities, noting
that SWALSC is a different entity from SWALS, which is a private heritage
provider.
(3)
I am not aware of any projects that have been stopped or delayed by this
matter. Proponents can seek advice from the Department of Planning, Lands and
Heritage on consultation options, proposed conditions and other general advice
to support an application.
question. The following answer has been provided on behalf of the Minister for
Aboriginal Affairs.
(1)
Under the south west settlement, the trustee of the Noongar Boodja Trust has responsibility
for oversight of the governance of the regional corporations. I understand the trustee
is actively exercising its powers to require the Wadjuk Aboriginal Corporation
to comply with settlement requirements and is continuing to keep my department
informed on next steps.
(2)
State government and industry proponents with Noongar Standard Heritage Agreements
within the Whadjuk area should continue to engage with the South West Aboriginal
Land and Sea Council, which currently coordinates heritage activities, noting
that SWALSC is a different entity from SWALS, which is a private heritage
provider.
(3)
I am not aware of any projects that have been stopped or delayed by this
matter. Proponents can seek advice from the Department of Planning, Lands and
Heritage on consultation options, proposed conditions and other general advice
to support an application.
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