Indigenous group rejects uranium mining ban proposal
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Premier Alan Carpenter has been accused of failing to consider the impact on native title holders of his proposal to legislate to ban uranium mining.
Mr Carpenter says he will introduce legislation banning uranium mining in Western Australia if he is re-elected.
The Western Desert Lands Corporation, which represents the Martu people, says uranium mining could provide numerous opportunities because the area is home to the major Kintyre uranium deposit which was sold to Cameco and Mitsubishi earlier this month.
The corporation's chief executive, Clinton Wolf, says the deal would provide more than job opportunities.
"It would deliver Martu the ability to set up a sustainable economic platform without relying on government," he said.
Mr Wolf says the Government's current position would have considerable economic consequences for Indigenous people.
The state's largest native title body has called for support to educate native title groups on uranium issues.
The Yamatji Aboriginal Corporation's chief executive officer, Simon Hawkins, says Government support is needed to ensure native title groups are in a position to make fully informed decisions and have their native title rights protected.
