WA Premier Roger Cook has apologised to the Ngarluma people after the state government did not invite representatives of the Traditional Owners to a major event on their Country.
The Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) said it was "deeply disappointed" the Premier and Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson visited Ngarluma Country last week to announce a series of major energy-related projects "without the courtesy of notifying Ngarluma people or seeking a formal Welcome to Country or even a greeting from one of our Elders".
NAC said the "failure to observe basic cultural protocol demonstrates a profound lack of respect for the Traditional Owners of the land on which these announcements were made".
Ngarluma noted it "seeks a positive and constructive relationship with the Western Australian Government and the Australian Government, and has been strongly supportive of the development of a green energy precinct on Ngarluma Country and welcomes investment that delivers sustainable economic opportunities while respecting Aboriginal rights and interests".
NAC said had the appropriate protocols been followed, they would have been pleased to welcome the Premier and Minister.
"These actions are inconsistent with the conduct expected of governments that claim to value partnership with Traditional Owners," the organisation said in a statement issued this weekend.
On Monday, Mr Cook told National Indigenous Times: "I would like to apologise to Ngarluma for not extending an invitation to last week's announcement with Yindjibarndi."
"My government values its relationship with the Ngarluma people, who are playing a critical role in partnering with my government to help decarbonise the Pilbara," he said.
"This includes through development of a 50-megawatt solar farm at the Ngarluma Green Energy Park, which is being supported by Perdaman and my government and will complement development of the Maitland-Karratha-Burrup transmission corridor, as well as the activation of the Maitland Strategic Industrial Area.
"Our commitment to empowering Traditional Owners was demonstrated by our announcement we would divest ownership of the Dampier desalination plant to the Yindjibarndi people, providing them with significant economic opportunities."
The NAC also expressed concern regarding "statements made during the announcements that implied the proposed desalination project is located on Yindjibarndi land".
"This is incorrect. The project is located on land that has been determined by the Federal Court to be Ngarluma Country," the Corporation said.
"Our concerns are not with the project itself, but with the failure to properly acknowledge and engage with the Traditional Owners of the land on which key infrastructure will be developed."
Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation chairperson Amanda Brockman noted that "respect begins with recognising the Traditional Owners of Country".
"A simple phone call requesting a Welcome to Country or meeting with our Elders would have demonstrated the partnership that governments so often speak about," she said.
"We support responsible development on Ngarluma Country, but genuine partnership must begin with respect."
Mr Cook said the WA government "will continue to work with the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation to listen to and discuss current and future partnership opportunities with the State".
