Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) demolition work has begun to dismantle the remote community of Oombulgurri in Western Australia,

(ii) this demolition is being conducted without consultation or permission of residents and traditional owners, and

(iii) forcing people from communities and closing essential services does not address existing social issues or the underlying causes of disadvantage affecting communities; and

(b) calls for:

(i) the suspension of the demolition of Oombulgurri and for discussions to begin with residents and traditional owners, and

(ii) increased investment in services and support for remote communities.

Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Gavin Marshall (Victoria, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Dean Smith (WA, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government does not support this motion, because this is a matter for the Western Australian government and not the Commonwealth government. It is clear that Senator Siewert does not have the full story. Oombulgurri was formally closed in November 2011, following our coronial inquiry into five deaths in the community. Former residents have now been housed elsewhere. Houses and buildings in Oombulgurri are now been demolished due to health and safety concerns, including because some buildings contain asbestos. Infrastructure which is still in good condition, including six houses, is being retained and will be able to be used by traditional owners in the future. The government cannot support this motion and encourages Senator Siewert to reconsider the facts.

Question agreed to.