Question Without Notice No. 802 asked in the Legislative Council on 7 November 2017 by Hon Robin Chapple
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
NATIVE TITLE — MAYALA CLAIM 802. Hon ROBIN CHAPPLE to the minister representing the Minister for Lands:
I refer to an article titled ''Kimberley native title claimants fear island will be handed to fish farmer'', published online by the Australian edition of The Guardian on Tuesday, 24 October 2017.
(1) Is the minister aware the Mayala claimants have been waiting almost 20 years for their claim, which includes Barnicoat Island, to be determined?
(2) Is the minister aware that if a crown lease is granted to Marine Produce Australia, it will permanently extinguish any chance of native title for the Mayala people over Barnicoat Island?
(3) If yes to (1) and/or (2), when will a decision be made about the future of Barnicoat Island?
(4) Will this decision be informed by consultation with the Mayala claimants who will be directly impacted by the decision?
(5) If no to (4), why not?
Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(5) Yes. The matter is before the National Native Title Tribunal and Mayala are represented in these proceedings.