Leader of The Nationals WA, Shane Love MLA, says the Cook Labor Government can no longer hide behind “Cabinet-in-confidence” claims, after it was revealed the suppressed Glen Kelly Review into Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title has already been shared outside State Cabinet.
Through questioning at Budget Estimates, it was confirmed the review — handed to the Government in February 2026 — has been provided to the Native Title Tribunal and the Federal Government, despite ongoing refusals to release it publicly.
“This revelation completely undermines the Government’s justification for keeping the report secret,” Mr Love said.
“How can the State Government continue claiming Cabinet-in-confidence when the report has already been circulated beyond Cabinet to external bodies, including the Federal Government and the Native Title Tribunal?” he said.
“If third parties can access this review, Western Australians have the right to see it too.”
Mr Love said the Government’s refusal to release the report was fuelling uncertainty across key sectors of the WA economy, particularly resources, agriculture and local government.
“What we are seeing is a Government determined to avoid scrutiny while businesses, farmers and local governments deal with growing delays, uncertainty and rising costs under the current system,” he said.
“The Premier refused to answer questions on this issue during Parliamentary Question Time, redirecting them to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs.
“That has become a trademark of the Cook Labor Government — confirmation something exists, but no transparency, no timeline, or accountability.”
“Businesses have been left waiting months and, in some cases, years for approvals. That level of uncertainty is not sustainable for an industry that underpins our State’s economy.”
“They continue to grapple with complex processes, unclear requirements and delays stemming from amendments to the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 1972, following the repeal of the failed 2021 Act,” Mr Love said.
The Nationals WA say the ongoing secrecy is particularly concerning given the purpose of the Kelly Review.
“If the Kelly Review was commissioned to address these challenges, there is no justification for keeping its findings secret,” Mr Love said.
Industry feedback, including surveys from the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC), highlights growing concerns around land access and rising compliance costs.
“This survey is a clear reminder that urgent action is needed to ensure timely approvals and restore certainty,” he said.
“WA Labor’s current regulatory framework is pricing out small explorers, who cannot afford million-dollar compliance costs.
“The Government has built a bureaucracy around Aboriginal heritage where lawyers and consultants are taking up to 60 cents in every dollar, while Traditional Owners see little tangible benefit.”
The Opposition has introduced an Order to Produce in Parliament to push for the release of the review.
“Western Australians deserve to know what changes are being considered and how the Government intends to restore certainty, efficiency and confidence,” Mr Love said.
The Nationals WA are calling on the Cook Labor Government to immediately release the report and outline its plan to fix the system.
