Long-running efforts by Attorney General John Quigley to increase scrutiny of Aboriginal trusts has culminated in plans for a new regulator with powers akin to a royal commission.
The state government has been criticised for continuing to approve a large number of section 18 applications under the Aboriginal Heritage Act – the same mechanism that led to the Juukan Gorge controversy.
Nyiyaparli Yindjibarndi woman, former 40under40 winner and executive director of IPS Management Consultants, Jahna Cedar has won a state award for leadership.
The state government has appointed four representatives to inform design and engage stakeholders on Western Australia’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act.
Zak Kirkup has warned of the risk of price escalation and project delays in WA as he prepares to add more than a dozen new workers to his business’ payroll.
Indigenous contractor Cundaline has secured work on a major solar and battery project in the Northern Goldfields to power BHP’s nickel mining operations.
Rio Tinto continues to be beset by multiple challenges, with its Pilbara iron ore operations just meeting annual shipment guidance and now facing a series of commissioning delays.
Perth builder Gerry Matera has bought 50 per cent of M/Construction and merged it with his company Marawar to create WA’s largest Aboriginal construction business.
The former chief of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council is pursuing the native title body and its chair for damages over allegedly defamatory comments he claims it published last year.
The value of state government contracts awarded to Aboriginal businesses has fallen by 21 per cent over the past year though the number of contracts has risen.
The state government is aiming to award about five per cent of all contracts in the transport sector to Aboriginal businesses over the next five years.
SRG Global’s Indigenous joint venture has been awarded with a five-year contract to provide maintenance and shutdown services to Fortescue Metals Group.
A parliamentary inquiry reviewing the Juukan Gorge controversy recommends the federal government take responsibility for Aboriginal heritage and pushes for changes to WA legislation.
