The simple opening of a freeway extension spiralled into chaos after two Aboriginal elders clashed over who had the right to conduct the smoking ceremony.
Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti, who is also Deputy Premier, and other officials were preparing to cut the ribbon at the new stretch of the $232million Mitchell Freeway, in Perth, on Sunday.
A smoking ceremony had been organised for the event with Whadjak Noongar man Steve Jacobs appointed the honour of carrying it out.
The ceremony was abruptly interrupted when another Indigenous man gatecrashed the event with an argument ensuing over who had the right to conduct it.
Footage of the stoush captured Ms Saffioti awkwardly watching on and appearing uncomfortable after a reporter questioned if she had picked the wrong person.
Whadjak Noongar man Steve Jacobs (pictured) was the transport department’s choice to host the smoking ceremony
‘I don’t need these people coming out here thinking you fellas can say this, say that on this land,’ the unknown Indigenous man shouted in footage captured by 7News.
‘I don’t need permission off you or anybody else. This is my country too,’ Mr Jacobs replied.
Western Australia’s Department of Main Roads said they did not know who the second man was and were unaware there was a potential disagreement.
‘We were surprised,’ a spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
It was an awkward moment for Ms Saffioti who was seen hurriedly turning away to consult with an official while the two men bickered.
Later she declined to take sides when asked what she made of the row.
‘It’s very interesting because obviously there are a lot of different Aboriginal groups with history in this area,’ she said.
‘Did you pick the wrong one for the smoking ceremony?’ 7News reporter Geofrey Parry asked.
‘I understand that was all handled by the department so we will get through it,’ Ms Saffioti replied.
A female Indigenous elder later stepped in to settle the dispute.
‘You’re included in this, alright?’ she said.
‘Doesn’t seem like it. Nobody told us nothing,’ the unknown man replied.
Eventually the ribbon cutting on the 5.6km extension went ahead on the much-anticipated stretch of road that was meant to open in 2022 but ended up well behind schedule because of Covid pandemic delays.
The new stretch of freeway was made ready for use overnight.
‘Commuters in the area will be able to start driving in the early hours of the morning and start using this new section,’ Ms Saffioti said.
The transport department said it was a surprised when an unknown man (pictured) turned up and disputed that the official smoking ceremony appointee was the correct representative of traditional owners
She said it could cut 15 minutes off the commute into the city from the northern suburbs depending on traffic flow.
The dispute over the smoking ceremony happened as controversial new Aboriginal heritage laws have come into effect in WA.
Under the change, many rivers, creeks and other tributaries will be considered ethnographic sites, requiring the highest level of assessment to change.
Australia’s richest woman Gina Rinehart in June launched a scathing attack on the legislation, claiming it cause havoc.
She predicted the new regulations will cause ‘unintended consequences’, with even the addition of a granny flat to a property being subject to delays.
‘Many are concerned that some elements of this Act have not been consulted on broadly enough,’ Ms Rinehard said in a Brisbane speech.
‘There is a risk of unintended consequences, even property developers are raising concerns, not just the mining industry.
West Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti (pictured second from right) declined to weigh in on the smoking ritual conflict
‘These unintended consequences could extend further too, with all West Australians who own a block larger than 1100sq/m needing to be aware of their potential obligations under the Act.
‘[That] could involve additional assessment, permitting, plans and or approvals for various activities.’
She said anyone wanting to build a granny flat for ageing parents or for teenagers would have to comply with the new regulations if they move more than 20kg of soil.
Mrs Rinehart said the changes were ‘carefully tailored’ to protect voters of properties under 1000sq/m – the size of a traditional quarter-acre block.
Labor WA Premier Roger Cook defended the change and claimed those opposing, including Coalition member, were ‘on the wrong side of history’.
