Leader of the Opposition Shane Love MLA says WA Labor has saddled every land owner in Western Australia with an unworkable regime around Aboriginal Heritage.
Mr Love said Labor’s disastrous handling of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021, and the uncertainty that was unleashed has not been resolved by the repeal of the Act in 2023.
“After today, we know Labor has left Western Australian landowners in a state of chaos—stripped of certainty and forced to navigate a bureaucratic nightmare just to carry out basic activities on their own land.”
“Landowners, Local Governments, and contractors are forced to seek permission for even the most minor works near waterways, from a Department which Labor has failed to adequately resource.” Mr Love said.
“Landowners need certainty so they can carry out everyday activities without dealing with bureaucratic bullshit.”
Mr Love said today’s outcome has far-reaching implications, setting a precedent which raises serious concerns for landowners across the State.
“Instead of providing clarity, this case has only deepened uncertainty about what landowners can lawfully do on their own property.”
“The government department responsible for overseeing cultural heritage will in no way be able to handle the avalanche of inquiries that will result from today’s judgement.” Mr Love said.
“The position landowners are in now is no better than 2023.There’s no clarity, there’s no security and there’s no fairness.”
The Nationals have made an unwavering commitment to fix the system Labor broke if elected, restoring certainty, fairness, and common sense for all Western Australians.
