PUSH FOR WA TO RECOGNISE AND PROTECT ABORIGINAL LANGUAGES

BY TANGIORA HINAKI AND KALMIA SAMBO

A statewide alliance is calling on the Western Australian Government to formally recognise Aboriginal languages as the state's first languages and to enshrine their protection in law.

The WA Aboriginal Languages Legislation Alliance (WALLA) says Aboriginal languages currently have no formal recognition or legislative protection in WA.

Ada Hansen, Education and Strategy Officer at the Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre and a spokesperson for the campaign, says that gap has practical and cultural consequences.

“Language is the carrier of culture. It’s the mouth of culture as First Nations people,” Ms Hansen said.

“If we don’t have our languages, we lose our culture and our identity.”

Ms Hansen said while migrants and international residents can access interpreter services through established systems, many Aboriginal people face barriers accessing translators — even in critical settings like hospitals.

“We’ve got people where English might be a second or third language, sitting in very complex health situations, but not able to fully comprehend what’s being explained in their own language,” she said.

“That’s concerning. More needs to be done.”

WALLA is calling for two key reforms: formal recognition of Aboriginal languages in state legislation, and legal protection supported by a statutory body or trust to oversee funding and strategic planning.

The alliance is proposing a 10-year strategic plan to support language revitalisation and long-term sustainability across WA.

Former Goldfields MP Kyle McGinn previously tabled a petition supporting recognition in State Parliament, but the campaign stalled ahead of the last state election.

The alliance is now preparing to relaunch its petition later this year and is inviting individuals, organisations and corporations to become campaign allies.

Ms Hansen said protecting language is about more than preservation — it is about well-being and identity.

“Aboriginal languages are core to who we are,” she said.

“This is about strength for our communities now and for future generations.”

A petition will be launched later this year.