Hon. Robin Chapple questions the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs regarding the investigation into the Wallcliffe rock shelters and potential breaches of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972. The investigation found no evidence of breaches or cultural objects applicable to the Act.

AnsweredQoN 11Legislative Council
Asked
17 February 2015
Portfolio
Aboriginal Affairs

QuestionView source ↗

WALLCLIFFE
ROCK SHELTERS — ITEM OF MODERN ART
11. Hon ROBIN CHAPPLE to the
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs:
I refer to question on notice 1320 asked by me of the
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs on Thursday, 19 June 2014 regarding the
Wallcliffe rock shelters.
(1) Has the Department of Aboriginal Affairs investigated the
matter further?
(2) If yes to (1), what were the outcomes of that
investigation?
(3) If no to (1), why not, and what is the time frame for
this investigation?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the honourable member for some notice of this
question. This was asked on Tuesday, 25 November. This is current as of 17 February
this year.
(1)–(2)
Yes. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs has undertaken a thorough
investigation of this matter, including a detailed inspection of the area. As
part of the investigation, the department spoke with a number of individuals
about the matter, including Wardandi representatives, traditional owners, the
caretaker of the property, representatives from the Department of Parks and
Wildlife, the Shire of Augusta–Margaret River and Western Australia
Police. The outcome of the investigation did not reveal any cultural objects
applicable to section 5 of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and found no
evidence to support any allegation of a breach under the Aboriginal Heritage
Act 1972. A report by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs about the site visit
was presented to the Aboriginal Cultural Material Committee for information and
noting only.
(3) Not applicable.

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