Native title and cultural heritage processes review
578. Hon Neil Thomson to the Leader of the House representing the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs:
I refer to question without notice 370, answered on 18 June 2025, in which the minister indicated that the focus of the review into native title and Aboriginal heritage will be on mining and exploration activities.
(1) When can other affected parties such as owners and land managers of small semirural blocks on our urban fringe and on farms expect to have their concerns addressed by the state government regarding the cost and uncertainty of obtaining approvals?
(2) Who else is supporting the review, which I understand is being led by Mr Glen Kelly?
(3) How much funding is being allocated to this review?
(4) What progress has been made on undertaking a broadly based Aboriginal heritage study, which was promised to farmers shortly after the disastrous Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2023 was repealed?
Hon Stephen Dawson replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
(1) Though the terms of reference are focused on mining and exploration, the review will consider the efficiency, effectiveness and equity of consultation processes under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, which apply to all land users.
(2) The Department of the Premier and Cabinet is leading the review, supported by Mr Glen Kelly of the National Native Title Tribunal.
(3) The Department of the Premier and Cabinet will meet the costs of the review.
(4) The minister is not aware of what the honourable member is referring to. The state government listened to community feedback, including the concerns raised by farmers, and repealed the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021, restoring the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 with targeted amendments.
