Backflip on Aboriginal Cultural Heritage laws divides opinion

In a bombshell back flip the controversial Aboriginal Heritage Act is set to be scrapped in Western Australia.

As farmers and land owners rejoiced, the premier was hiding from cameras on Saturday - despite being Roger Cook's biggest test yet as premier, it was left to cabinet colleagues to fight the fire. But government minster Stephen Dawson, wouldn't be drawn on the scrapping of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act - legislation his office drew up.In a bombshell back flip the controversial Aboriginal Heritage Act is set to be scrapped."The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs continues to have conversations about a way forward ... about what needs to change," Dawson said.

Rio Tinto's destruction of two rock shelters in Juukan Gorge in May 2020 prompted the swift law change.Fast forward 18 months and the new premier faced pressure to scrap the legislation.Traditional owners representing Juukan Gorge - the site of the mining disaster in 2020 - say they're shattered.Just two days before it came in to force, Cook suspended any fines handed out in the first 12 months.

In a statement, they urged the federal government "to show leadership and proceed with the introduction of a new Australia-wide regime for cultural heritage protection".Queenslanders slugged an extra $100 million in finesThe Cook Government is being accused of backing down following pressure from the Prime Minister amid concerns backlash to the controversial law knocked down support among West Australians for The Voice to Parliament referendum.

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