Chief Executive Officer’s Report (Cont...) Yamatji Connection Project
Preservation Evidence
Following the completion of the Pilbara
Preservation evidence is the holding of early
Connection Project in 2012, the Yamatji
evidence of elderly or ill native title claimants.
Connection Project is progressing strongly after
Unfortunately, with the claims process getting
an intensive research phase. YMAC is starting to
longer and more complex, it is becoming urgent
present connection and research to native title
for some native title groups to participate in such
Consumer Protection for Traditional Owners
groups in the Yamatji region and we expect this
hearings. During the reporting period, YMAC
progress to continue in the year ahead.
During the reporting period, YMAC has needed
facilitated preservation evidence hearings for
to dedicate considerable time and resources to
In the Pilbara Region, considerable work is still
Badimia and Kariyarra native title claim groups.
minimise the damage done to native title claim
being undertaken for unclaimed areas and to
This process takes a lot of time and can be stressful
groups by private agents seeking to represent
resolve overlap issues. For further detail please
for some participants. YMAC acknowledges the
individual members of the group, without the
refer to the Research and Heritage Update.
great effort of all those involved.
wider support of the community. This has caused
Geraldton Alternative Settlement Agreement (ASA)
Litigation
a great deal of distress to community members
Over the last 12 months significant progress
reached with the State, it is sometimes necessary
was made in the Geraldton ASA negotiations
to resort to litigation. The State Government has
despite a lack of cooperation from the WA
warned that they expect to litigate more claims
State Government.
in the future which will be more expensive, time
YMAC has worked closely with the National
consuming and will put considerable strain on
Native Title Council to push for regulatory
Elders and other key witnesses.
changes to support consumer protection
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the three groups represented by YMAC, plus
Where a consent determination cannot be
locations out on country and in Perth. YMAC also acknowledges the Elders who have passed away since the Badimia and Banjima claims were lodged in 1998.
and threatened to undermine the hard work done over many years to achieve recognition of native title. In some cases, it has also risked breaching native title agreements.
for Traditional Owners. This issue will be
the separately represented Widi and Mullewa
The Banjima and Badimia native title groups
Wajarri groups, to commit to working together
experienced these challenges with their claims
to settle these claims with the State. The native
going to trial during the reporting period.
title groups have reached agreement on a
I would like to acknowledge the hard work
heritage protocol and for the preparation of a
and dedication of the Traditional Owners who
Raising YMAC’s International Profile
comprehensive agreement that draws upon
contributed to and participated in these trials,
This year YMAC was fortunate to have an
work done in Victoria for similar matters.
which ranged over many months and several
opportunity to meet with Indigenous peoples
Yamatji Marlpa ANNUAL REPORT 2013 I 16
addressed by the Review of Native Title Representative Bodies and we look forward to the Commonwealth Government’s response.