Workshops across Western Australia to discuss guidelines for Aboriginal cultural heritage co-design

More than 30 workshops across Western Australian metropolitan, regional and remote communities will be held to discuss the proposed guidelines for the third and final phase of co-design to support implementation of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021.

The Act provides for the establishment of local service providers giving Aboriginal people a statutory role in managing and protecting their local Aboriginal cultural heritage and putting them at the forefront of decision making. Fee guidelines for these Local Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Service (LACHS) will also be discussed at the workshops.

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti said that the workshops, commencing 14th November, provide a third and final opportunity for Aboriginal organisations, industry representatives and local communities to contribute to the design of key regulations and guidelines that will underpin the new Act.

These documents will guide land users and proponents through the new system to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage when the new laws come into effect from mid-2023.

Matters to be finalised include the proposed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Code which details the required due diligence assessment, proposed activity and consultation guidelines that set the standard for engaging Aboriginal people about their cultural heritage.

Setting tiers of ground disturbance activities that could cause harm to Aboriginal cultural heritage will be another key discussion, to determine whether an approval would be required, and whether that should be a permit or a more comprehensive management plan.

WA Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti notes “this third and final phase of co-design provides another opportunity for collaboration with Aboriginal people and organisations across the State to ensure we develop clear guidance for Traditional Owners, land users and the community. This is important as we edge closer to transition to the new Act.

“I encourage anyone with an interest in Aboriginal cultural heritage, or who undertakes any form of civil or construction works or any form of land management activities, to read the documents and participate in one of our 34 workshops across the State.

“Similarly, I encourage any Aboriginal organisation with an interest in becoming a LACHS to find out more about the LACHS readiness grants program.

“The introduction of LACHS will provide certainty around the right people to consult, which will increase efficiencies in the heritage approvals process.”

The co-design period ends on Friday, 6th January 2023. For more information, including about the LACHS funding, visit wa.gov.au/ach-act.