The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME) has launched the Western Australian resource sector’s Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage Policy.
“The Western Australian resource sector is a leader in establishing productive and mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal Communities,” said CME Director, Nicole Roocke.
The policy was developed after an extensive consultative process with members and other key stakeholders . It has been welcomed by Aboriginal representative organisations as strong recognition of the solid and respectful relationship between industry and Aboriginal people
“Consultation was important in capturing the crucial issues affecting the sector in dealing with native title and Aboriginal heritage issues,” said Ms Roocke.
The policy position will assist Aboriginal representative organisations, Aboriginal people, governments and other stakeholders to understand the resource sector’s guiding principles in this area.
“The policy clearly articulates the policy areas where industry will continue to advocate for improvements and change,” said Ms Roocke.
The WA resource sector has been at the forefront of policy changes in addressing Aboriginal disadvantage. It is worth noting the sector is the largest employer of Aboriginal people in Australia.
CME recognises long term productive relationships with Aboriginal representative organisations, Aboriginal groups and traditional owners are inextricably linked to the resources sector, maintaining and enhancing its social license to operate.
