Former WA premier Colin Barnett calls for Juukan Gorge royal commission

Former West Australian premier Colin Barnett has called for a royal commission into Rio Tinto’s destruction of ancient rock shelters in the Pilbara.

Mr Barnett, whose granted the company consent to destroy Aboriginal sites in 2013, said the issue was of such significance it warranted an independent inquiry with judicial powers.

“This is a major failing of the company Rio Tinto and a major failing of the assessment and protection of Aboriginal sites by successive governments,” Mr Barnett said.

“I’m not on some sort of witch-hunt, but this is a serious, serious issue and we need to treat it more seriously.

“Everyone is going to suffer some embarrassment here, but we suffer huge embarrassment for the state and the mining industry if we don’t address this and address it in a proper way and be seen to be doing so.”

A Federal inquiry is already investigating the destruction of the two rock shelters, which were found to contain artefacts dating back 46,000 years.

Rio Tinto and BHP have already testified before the committee, which is made up of Federal politicians.

Gas giant Woodside will front a hearing on Monday.

‘Not trying to dodge blame’

Describing the inquiry as “inadequate”, Mr Barnett said “a lot has happened” since his government granted the Section 18 permissions to Rio Tinto.

“It should not be left to a group of Canberra politicians who really don’t have the powers to do what is required,” he said.

“There was an approval for mining to be developed in that area back in 2013 — that’s seven years ago.

“A lot has happened since then, but I do acknowledge that the approvals, such as they are, need to be examined, and that process needs to be examined.

“I think both bear responsibility and it might be a bit awkward for many people, but I think this is of such significance that needs to be put to one side and we see what has happened.

“Since 2013 there’s been lots of investigation of the site, a lot more knowledge of the site and the decision to blow it up was clearly made as a fully conscious decision made at the time.

“I’m not trying to apportion blame or dodge blame — I think this just needs to be treated independently and in a judicial format.”

Government rejects call

WA Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt said calls for a royal commission were “premature”.

“We know what happened with the Juukan Gorge caves,” he said in a statement.

“The Liberal-National Government, led by Colin Barnett, approved their destruction and Rio Tinto acted on that approval when it should not have done so.

“The WA Government is actively participating in the current Commonwealth Parliamentary inquiry and looks forward to considering its findings.