Senator the Hon Robert Hill

30 June 2000

MARKS REPORT ON THE PYRTON PRISON SITE
Media Release

Mr Peter Marks has completed his report under section 10 of the Aboriginal and Torres Stait Islader Heritage Protection Act 1984 in relation to an application for protection over the site of a proposed prison at Pyrton in Western Australia.

It is the view of the Reporter that the land at Pyrton is of particular significance to Aboriginal people and that it should be protected from injury and desecration.

Further, Mr Marks finds that the existence of a prison will desecrate the Pyrton site.

Concluding that there is no effective protection for the land under Western Australian law, Mr Marks has recommended that a declaration be made under the Commonwealth Act.

The Western Australian Government has agreed (to) not undertake further work on the site for the purposes of a prison until 14 July 2000.

In the meantime Senator Hill will be further considering the matter before making a decision.

June 30, 2000

Further information: Rod Bruem 0419 258 364 or (02) 6277 7640

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Contacts
Swan Valley Nyungah Community (08) 9377 3550
Pyrton Action Group (08) 9279 6781