❓ Question regarding a complaint lodged by the Nyikina Mangala people concerning potential destruction of an Aboriginal heritage site by Buru Energy, and the subsequent investigation's findings. The Minister confirms the investigation concluded that while the Blue Hills are likely sacred sites and were undisturbed, there wasn't sufficient evidence to prove the artefact location was a protected heritage site, thus no breach of the Act occurred.
AnsweredQoN 657Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
BURU — NYIKINA MANGALA COMPLAINT
657. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs:
I am asking this question on behalf of Hon Robin Chapple, who is away on urgent
parliamentary business.
I refer to the article in the Koori Mail of Wednesday, 31 October 2012, titled ''Aboriginal
fears stop oil project''.
(1) On what
date was the complaint by the Nyikina Mangala lodged with the Department of
Aboriginal Affairs?
(2) Has the investigation been concluded?
(3) If yes to (2), what were the findings of that
investigation?
(4) If no to (2), why not?
(5) If no to (2), when will the investigation be concluded?
(6) If yes to
(2) and if the archaeological site was found to be destroyed, what action has
been taken against Buru for this breach of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972?
657. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs:
I am asking this question on behalf of Hon Robin Chapple, who is away on urgent
parliamentary business.
I refer to the article in the Koori Mail of Wednesday, 31 October 2012, titled ''Aboriginal
fears stop oil project''.
(1) On what
date was the complaint by the Nyikina Mangala lodged with the Department of
Aboriginal Affairs?
(2) Has the investigation been concluded?
(3) If yes to (2), what were the findings of that
investigation?
(4) If no to (2), why not?
(5) If no to (2), when will the investigation be concluded?
(6) If yes to
(2) and if the archaeological site was found to be destroyed, what action has
been taken against Buru for this breach of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this
question.
(1) 25 October 2012.
(2) Yes.
(3) The
investigation concluded that the two mesas known as the Blue Hills are likely
to be sacred sites under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, and these sites have
not been disturbed. There is not sufficient evidence to determine that the
place where the artefacts were located is a heritage site to which the act
applies. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs is confident that there has not
been a breach of the act and, therefore, it is not in the public interest to
pursue prosecution.
(4)–(6) Not applicable.
question.
(1) 25 October 2012.
(2) Yes.
(3) The
investigation concluded that the two mesas known as the Blue Hills are likely
to be sacred sites under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, and these sites have
not been disturbed. There is not sufficient evidence to determine that the
place where the artefacts were located is a heritage site to which the act
applies. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs is confident that there has not
been a breach of the act and, therefore, it is not in the public interest to
pursue prosecution.
(4)–(6) Not applicable.
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