- First piece of legislation in Western Australian history to include Noongar language
The introduction into State Parliament of the Noongar (Koorah, Nitja, Boordahwan) (Past, Present, Future) Recognition Bill 2015 marks a turning point in our shared history, Premier Colin Barnett said today.
A centrepiece of the historic South West Native Title Settlement, signed by the State Government and the Noongar people last June, the Bill honours the Noongar people as the traditional owners of the South-West and one of the oldest surviving cultures on earth.
Mr Barnett said the significance of the Bill could not be underestimated.
"It recognises Noongar customs and culture, their unique contribution to the heritage, cultural identity and economy of the State, and represents a commitment to a shared partnership to build a stronger Western Australian community," he said.
"While the Bill does not create new rights or impact on other laws, it is highly symbolic for all members of the Western Australian community, and indeed the nation.
"I am very proud that we as a Parliament and as a community are able to embrace the opportunity that has arisen from the South West Native Title Settlement to seek Parliament's recognition in perpetuity of Noongar culture and history."
The South West Native Title Settlement covers 200,000 square kilometres of the South-West of WA. It comprises six Indigenous Land Use Agreements and resolves all native title claims in the South-West in exchange for about $1.3 billion in land and other benefits.
The native title claims are Whadjuk (covering Perth metropolitan), the South West Boojarah (Busselton, Pemberton, Nannup) and Harris Family (Yallingup, Margaret River), Ballardong (York, Northam, Hyden, Kondinin), Wagyl Kaip (Katanning, Gnowangerup, Albany), Yued (Jurien, Moora, Lancelin, Gingin) and Gnaala Karla Boodja (Mandurah, Bunbury, Donnybrook).
Fact File
- Koorah means past, Nitja refers to the present and Boordahwan the future
- Introduction of the Bill fulfils a key commitment as part of the South West Native Title Settlement
Premier's office - 6552 5000
