Juukan Gorge inquiry: Queensland perspectives

ON TUESDAY, June8, the Northern Australia Committee will hear from representatives of the Cape York Land Council, AECOM, Torres Shire Council and Gur A Baradharaw Kod Torres Strait Sea and Land Council Torres Strait Islander Corporation (GBK).

The inquiry into the destruction of Indigenous heritage sites at Juukan Gorge will further examine Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage legislation in Queensland, with a public hearing by videoconference.

The Committee will delve into cultural heritage problems experienced in Queensland by both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Committee Chair Warren Entsch said, "Cultural heritage protection is the primary objective of the Committee. By discussing issues with those affected we can ensure that the Committee’s report will include the voices of stakeholders from across Australia."

A key issue for the Cape York Land Council is that politicians and bureaucrats should not be making decisions relating to heritage protection and management.

An important issue for AECOM is that authorised Indigenous parties must be treated as crucial partners by governments and proponents in decision making processes for heritage management.

GBK wants land users to recognise and appreciate that the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait People and their environment is one based on balance in harmony with nature and observance of their ancestral customs.

A program for the public hearing is available on the Committee’s website.

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday, 8 June 2021
Time: 10am to 4pm AEST
Location: by video/teleconference

The hearings will be broadcast live at aph.gov.au/live.

 

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