❓ Question regarding WA Police expenditure and actions related to the Nyoongar Tent Embassy on Heirisson Island, including surveillance, arrests, and consultation with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The answer reveals limited direct police action and deferred responsibility for some aspects.
AnsweredQoN 355Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
With regard to the Nyoongar Tent Embassy set up at the State-listed Aboriginal Heritage Site, ID3589, on Heirisson Island in February-March 2012, I ask: (a) what was the total Western Australian Police expenditure on surveillance of people camping on the island, in accordance with the law, in order to protect a registered Aboriginal Heritage site; (b) what was to total Western Australian Police expenditure on raiding and removing these same people; (c) how many of the Aboriginal people gathered at this Aboriginal Heritage site were arrested or prosecuted for illegal camping; (d) how many Aboriginal people were arrested or prosecuted on other charges; (e) which of these charges were upheld by the courts and what was the outcome; and (f) what actions did the Western Australian Police take to ascertain, together with Department of Aboriginal Affairs, the status and legitimacy under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 of the Aboriginal people gathered at the Tent Embassy: (i) if none, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
19 November 2013
Responded by
Attorney General representing the Minister for Police
Response time
35 days
(a) Surveillance of persons on Heirisson Island was not conducted by WA Police, however actions of the group were monitored during normal police patrols.
(b) The cost of WA Police assisting the City of Perth with their actions was not calculated.
(c) WA Police did not prosecute any persons for illegal camping.
(d) Five persons were prosecuted by WA Police.
(e) [See tabled paper no.]
(f) Answer will be forthcoming from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
(b) The cost of WA Police assisting the City of Perth with their actions was not calculated.
(c) WA Police did not prosecute any persons for illegal camping.
(d) Five persons were prosecuted by WA Police.
(e) [See tabled paper no.]
(f) Answer will be forthcoming from the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
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