WA Aboriginal heritage law passes but concerns remain it won't prevent another Juukan Gorge

A controversial heritage law aimed at preventing another Juukan Gorge disaster has passed WA Parliament. Key points: The new law creates a majority-Aboriginal cultural heritage council It will oversee cultural heritage matters and advise the minister But critics say final decision-making power still rests with the minister The new law replaces outdated rules including the controversial Section 18 approvals process, contained in the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, which allowed the destruction of a 46,000-year-old sacred site at Juukan Gorge by iron ore giant Rio Tinto last year. The new law establishes an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council — which will be made up of a majority of Aboriginal people — to oversee the new regime, provide advice to the Minister, approve cultural heritage services, permits and plans. The Federal Senate inquiry, titled “Never Again”, recommended the WA Government, among other things, replace the Aboriginal Heritage Act with new legislation that: "As a minimum Aboriginal people have meaningful involvement in and control over heritage decision making, in line with the internationally recognised principles of free, prior and informed consent." “The leaders in this area do not accept a continuing law that says the minister can have the final say over all Aboriginal heritage and cultural sites," Dr McGlade said.