Australia / Human Rights Commission To Decide On Aboriginal Radioactive Waste Facility Vote

A community vote on the proposed facility on the Eyre Peninsula was referred to the commission following accusations it discriminated against Aboriginal native title holders.

The Barngarla Determination Aboriginal Corporation (BTAC) last week won a Supreme Court injunction against the District Council of Kimba, postponing the postal vote which was scheduled to be sent out last Monday.

The group argued the vote of about 800 Kimba residents contravened the Racial Discrimination Act by not including native title holders.

The Department of Industry, Innovation and Science said in a statement that it noted the outcome of the BTAC’s court hearing. “In line with our commitment to the communities, the government will continue to work to ensure that the views of all stakeholders are heard, and that a decision is made this year,” the statement said.

The government recently announced that increased community benefits of up to AUD 31 million (€19.8m) will be available to the community chosen as the site of the facility.