NEW HERITAGE ACT READY TO GO, SAYS FIRST NATIONS LABOR MP

BY CONRAD MACLEAN

Kimberley Labor MP Divina D’Anna has said WA’s new Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act should be implemented as planned on July 1.

The Yawuru, Nimanburr and Bardi woman said the new act is not perfect but is a vast improvement on existing legislation.

“The current legislation is outdated,” she said.

“It wasn't good for Aboriginal people or land users.

“I think with the new processes it helps to make it simpler and fairer.”

The Pastoralists and Graziers Association of WA has launched a parliamentary e-petition asking for the Act to be delayed by six months.

The petition calls for a working approvals system to be established before the legislation begins.

It has been signed by more than 28,000 people.

Listen to the full interview with Divina D’Anna: