RAELENE COOPER ON PROPOSED OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS APPROVAL AMENDMENTS

BY ASAD KHAN

RAELENE COOPER. Credit: Supplied.

Traditional Custodians have expressed concern over the federal government’s plans to change offshore oil and gas regulations that will have a negative impact on Aboriginal Songlines and the environment in Western Australia.

The legislation comes after pressure from industry to water down consultation requirements following high-profile legal challenges to prevent new gas projects from unfolding in the region.

Resources Minister Madeleine King has promised to introduce ‘clear and unambiguous’ consultation requirements however Traditional Custodians feel left in the dark.

Traditional Custodian and Mardudhunera woman, Raelene Cooper, successfully challenged Woodside approvals in the Federal Court last year because the company failed to consult her.

Ms Cooper said proposed changes reflect that governments and industry work hand in hand and that we as taxpayers have no say to be able to go to the government and say we disagree.

“More and more people no matter what culture are now starting to talk up,” she said.

“These legislative changes are now there to silence us. It is an absolute joke that they continue to lie to Australian people and Madeleine King, the resources minister is flying around the globe to get more investors to come invest in this country, to invest in our sea beds, to destroy our oceans, to destroy our Pacific Islanders. Waters are rising. Where are they going to live?”

“There are two rules in this country: those of the government and those of the little people, and where do we stand?” she said.

Listen to the full interview with Raelene Cooper: