Critical reflections on the Juukan Gorge parliamentary inquiry and prospects for industry change

Title Critical reflections on the Juukan Gorge parliamentary inquiry and prospects for industry change
Authors/Contributors
Publication Title Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law
Date 2023-02-02
Abstract Note In May 2020, when Rio Tinto destroyed ancient rockshelters in Western Australia to expand an iron ore mine, public outcry triggered a parliamentary inquiry. The value and effect of public sector inquiries have been debated for over a century. While the Juukan Gorge inquiry overlooked some important issues, it succeeded in illuminating critical flaws in company, regulatory and administrative systems that trade on injustice. These issues have not been altogether neglected by past state and federal governments, but previous inquiries failed to drive meaningful reform. We conclude that while systemic change seems improbable, the evolving political milieu in Australia may offer prospects for industry change.
Resource Type Journal Article
URL https://doi.org/10.1080/02646811.2022.2156202
DOI 10.1080/02646811.2022.2156202
Citation
Kemp, D., Kochan, K., & Burton, J. (2023). Critical reflections on the Juukan Gorge parliamentary inquiry and prospects for industry change. Journal of Energy & Natural Resources Law, 0(0), 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/02646811.2022.2156202
Link to this record http://ikbe-library.unimelb.edu.au/bibliography/5KKIA3FX/