Juukan Gorge inquiry: from North to South

ON TUESDAY June 29, the Northern Australia Committee will be hearing from stakeholders in South Australia and Queensland – the Global Water Institute, the Queensland Government, the Nuga Nuga Aboriginal Corporation, David Noonan, the Arabana Aboriginal Corporation and Andrew and Robert Starkey.

Northern Australia Committee chair Warren Entsch, who is the Federal Member for Leichardt, noted that the evidence gathering phase of the inquiry is drawing to a close.

"Tomorrow we will hear from stakeholders in South Australia about the unique problems they face in protecting heritage across the vast plains of that State’s north. With that, we will have spoken to people in every jurisdiction across Australia," Mr Entsch said.

"The mound springs which are of great significance to the Arabana people are at serious risk. The Arabana Aboriginal Corporation is concerned that the springs are disappearing due to the water use at BHP’s Roxby Downs Mine, which relies on the same water source as the springs."

Andrew and Robert Starkey, of the Kokatha people, have experienced significant destruction of heritage due to a Hill to Hill Transmission Line Easement which passed through a series of culturally significant sites. They are keen to share with the committee what has happened to their country.

Nuga Nuga Aboriginal Corporation has experienced significant issues with the ‘Last Claim Standing’ of the Queensland Act due to its impact on their ability to speak for country. Despite a judicial decision in their favour the Queensland Government decided to formerly legislate the provision; to the corporation’s dismay.

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

Public hearing details

Date: Tuesday, 29 June 2021
Time: 10am to 4pm AEST
Location: by video/teleconference

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

Further details of the inquiry, including terms of reference, can be found on the Committee’s website.

ends