Glenn Sterle (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The government appreciate the senator amending the motion at our request and we acknowledge the goodwill of Senator Ludlam and Senator Siewert. We also recognise the significance of the rock art on the Dampier Archipelago. The value of the Dampier Archipelago, which includes the Burrup Peninsula, is clear and has been acknowledged by its national heritage listing on 3 July 2007. We understand that Indigenous people and groups such as the Friends of Australian Rock Art have expressed concern about threats to the site.

While it is not normally the role of the Australian Heritage Council, in this instance the minister will instruct the council to undertake an emergency assessment of the Dampier Archipelago site. The emergency assessment will look at the outstanding universal values of the site and any threats to that site. The council will begin their assessment as soon as possible and are expected to produce a draft report within six months. Once finalised, the council’s report will be made available to the public.

Question agreed to.