Mining industry bodies have welcomed the review of Western Australia’s native title and cultural heritage processes, backing recommendations aimed at reducing duplication, improving consultation and delivering greater certainty for both Traditional Owners and project proponents.
The review, authored by National Native Title Tribunal member Glen Kelly, was tabled in the Western Australian Parliament and contains 25 recommendations designed to streamline consultation and agreement-making processes.
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME) said unclear and overlapping heritage requirements, combined with rapidly rising consultation and survey costs, had become significant barriers to efficient resources development.
CME chief executive officer Aaron Morey said the current system was creating challenges for both industry and Traditional Owners.
“CME strongly believes Traditional Owners should play a central and active role managing cultural heritage but it has been clear for some time now that the current system is not working for anyone,” Morey said.
“Mining companies currently contend with nearly two dozen overlapping policies and regulations relating to First Nations consultation that span three tiers of government.
“That has placed an enormous burden on both proponents and Traditional Owners, leading to blowouts in approvals timeframes, consultation fatigue and confusion over responsibilities and requirements.”
Morey said consultants had become the primary beneficiaries of the existing framework without improving heritage outcomes.
Among the review’s recommendations are a cross-agency review of Aboriginal consultation measures to reduce duplication and improve consistency, a funding support program for Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs), and the development of a code of conduct for consultants and advisers working with the PBC sector.
CME also welcomed the State Government’s commitment to consult with both Traditional Owners and industry on the development of technical information, guidelines and practice notes.
“It is critical that industry and Traditional Owners have a genuine opportunity to inform the development of new guidelines and standards to ensure they are workable for all parties,” Morey said.
The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) also backed the review, describing it as an opportunity to create a fairer, clearer and more accountable system.
AMEC chief executive officer Warren Pearce said protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage remained essential, but reforms were needed to improve efficiency and certainty.
“There is no disputing the current system was not delivering the right outcomes for industry or Traditional Owners,” Pearce said.
“Protecting and respecting Aboriginal Cultural Heritage is non-negotiable.
“But the current system has become too costly, too slow and too uncertain.
“Too much of the current system is being captured by consultants clipping the ticket, instead of delivering direct benefits to Traditional Owners and communities.”
The review follows its announcement by Premier Roger Cook in May 2025 and comes after extensive engagement across industry, government and the native title sector.
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