Member for Central Wheatbelt Hon Mia Davies MLA has welcomed the belated reversal of the shambolic Aboriginal Cultural Heritage legislation.
“The decision is a win for commonsense and a win for the local community.”
“I congratulate those that joined the Opposition in holding the Government to account for the shambolic way the legislation and regulations were introduced,” Ms Davies said.
“It was clear the regulations developed after the Act passed were unworkable and unnecessarily complex.
“This common-sense outcome shows what can be achieved by regional MPs, taking regional issues to Perth and being a hardworking opposition.
“Even with complete control of Parliament, together the Opposition and the community spoke clearly with one strong voice in a way the government couldn’t ignore,” said Ms Davies.
She said the Premier needed to replace the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs immediately.
“This Minister has lost the trust of the community, and remained defiant in Parliament this week about his role in the debacle that has cost Government and the community significant time and taxpayers dollars,” Ms Davies said.
The true cost of the failed legislation is yet to be revealed, with the Premier and Minister avoiding questions asked in Parliament on the matter.
Ms Davies said the Opposition would be reviewing the new amendments that have been introduced, having been briefed on Tuesday night prior to the legislation being tabled in Parliament.
