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Parliamentary Questions


Question On Notice No. 1576 asked in the Legislative Council on 16 August 2018 by Hon Robin Chapple

Question Directed to the: Minister for Regional Development representing the Minister for Tourism
Parliament: 40 Session: 1


Question

The indigenous stakeholders, as represented by the Rottnest Island Deaths Group Aboriginal Corporation (RIDGAC), are insistent that they are duty bound under their laws, customs and traditions (1994) of what should and should not be done with the Quod and all other infrastructure that was built by their ancestors. It is the duty of RIDGAC to direct what should be done with the Quod and other infrastructures that were built by the ancestors, the places where the prisoners were held in horrific conditions and the places they built as slave labour, including the Governor's mansion/hotel. There has been no commitment for ground penetrating radar (GPR) to be done anywhere else on the Rottnest Island. RIDGAC strongly objects to being forced to accept that the sacred buildings are going to be smothered and overrun by new infrastructure and the organisation not being kept updated or consulted regarding these buildings, and infrastructure. Maintenance is currently being carried out on the Quod and RIDGAC was given only three days notice that these works were to take place. There may be questions of desecration surrounding the building and the only input allowed will be a monitor at the maintenance site, with no preliminary consultation taking place. I ask:
(a) is the Minister aware of the difference between monitoring and consultation;
(b) if yes to (a), will the Government call for full and proper consultation before works are carried out;
(c) if no to (b), why not;
(d) will the Minister direct its agent to consult in good faith with RIDGAC;
(e) will the Minister consult in good faith with RIDGAC concerning these matters;
(f) when will the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs spend time with the RIDGAC board of directors to help and oversee RIDGAC’s concerns regarding all of these issues;
(g) Wadjemup was never part of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) Native Title grant so why is SWALSC and Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) using Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) to dominate the standing of RIDGAC, who were appointed and are culturally bound to oversee all Aboriginal issues on Wadjemup;
(h) is RIDGAC going to be recognised by this Government as the primary body to continue their culturally appropriate duty bound protection and preservation of Aboriginal sites on Wadjemup;
(i) is the Government going to continue the divisive processes that ignore and continue to override the cultural duties and obligations of RIDGAC;
(j) will the Government provide information on the Prendiville family’s involvement in the development of Wadjemup/Rottnest Island;
(k) has the Prendiville family been granted ownership of private property on Rottnest Island;
(l) what is the current makeup of the Rottnest Island Board, and how many are previous RIA board members; and
(m) who are members of the Rottnest Island Reference Group, and how many are Aboriginal?

Answered on 13 September 2018

a)        Yes.

 

b)        No.

 

c)        The Rottnest Island Authority has met the requirements of a s18 notice issued by the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 for appointment of Aboriginal monitors in connection with maintenance work carried out on the Quod and in doing so has consulted with the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council and RIDGAC.

 

d)        The Rottnest Island Authority proactively consults with RIDGAC and other Aboriginal community representatives on matters concerning the Aboriginal cultural heritage of Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island as well as when it is required to do so by regulation or Government policy.

 

e)        The Minister will consult with RIDGAC when it is necessary or appropriate to do so.

 

f)         See the answer to (e) above.

 

g)        RIDGAC, although a significant and long-term advocate for the protection of Wadjemup/ Rottnest Island Aboriginal cultural heritage, is not universally recognised as the sole or primary Aboriginal organisation with the right to be consulted, or to speak on behalf of the Aboriginal community, on matters concerning the Quod and Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground.

 

h)        No.

 

i)         See the answer to (g) above.

 

j)         No.

 

k)        No.

 

l)         The makeup of the Rottnest Island Authority is as specified in s.6 of Part II of the Rottnest Island Authority Act 1987. Of the current members, three have served for more than one term.

 

m)     Barbara Bynder, Walter Maguire, Brendon Moore, Lyndsay Dean and Pamela Thorley. All are Aboriginal. The Rottnest Island Authority Executive Director and one member of the Rottnest Island Authority Board serve ex-officio.