For too long aboriginal culture and cultural sites have been disrespected or destroyed. The culprits are governments with weak laws and mining giants such as Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton.

The situation has not improved over time even though there are fewer cultural sites and there is greater need to protect what is left. The continued destruction of this culture which includes artefacts scatters, culturally modified trees, rock shelters with painted rock art, stone arrangements, and built structures has caused further significant cumulative loss of culture and spiritual harm to Aboriginal people. It also damages reconciliation efforts and respect for Aboriginal culture that is a big part of who we are as a nation. We can’t move forward until these injustices are rectified.

Old weak laws, such as the Western Australian Aboriginal Act 1972 do not protect cultural sites and enable big companies such as BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto to destroy cultural sites first then apologise later. 

 This petition is demanding that the laws are changed so: that cultural items are respected and protected and traditional owners are given the right of appeal. Currently under the WA act  are unable to lodge objections or to prevent their sacred sites from being damaged.