Who Owns the Past? Cultural Heritage and the Law in Western Australia
WA has some of Australia’s best heritage – and worst legal protections. This talk covers the destruction of Juukan Gorge; juggling three State heritage laws, and acknowledges Aboriginal ‘First Law’, in order to map a pathway to prosperity, truth-telling, and a more inclusive national identity.
This talk is part of the Pint of Science Festival and centres on an issue affecting all Western Australians; most of whom are unaware of the state’s history back to at least 50,000 years and extending to the present. Now, like never before, citizens have to step up to ensure our heritage protections are inclusive and long-lasting.