Advertising to raise awareness of, and support for, a Supreme Court appeal of charges laid under the Aboriginal Heritage Act will begin in commercial media this week.
The Pastoralists and Graziers Association of Western Australia (PGA) and WAFarmers are supporting Mr Maddox with in-kind services only, no financial contribution.
BACKGROUND
Why are WAFarmers and the PGA supporting Tony Maddox?
The Tony Maddox case has highlighted many shared concerns about the management of WA’s cultural heritage and the significant uncertainty, risk and fear it has created for thousands of West Australian property owners and land users.
The associations agree on the need to start the process of eliminating unnecessary and unreasonable risks caused by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 and its application.
What is the Tony Maddox case about?
Toodyay farmer Tony Maddox was charged for repairing an existing creek crossing, not knowing that part of his property had been declared an Aboriginal Heritage “Site”.
In Court, the department admitted it did not write to land-owners – including Tony – when it drew a red line around parts of their properties, making it illegal without government permission to do many things including –
- disturb the surface of the ground;
- sell any food, beverage or other article; or
- remove any part of a tree or cut grass, living or dead.
The department confessed its map is not accurate or complete but already has hundreds of illegal zones drawn on private farms, residential blocks, industrial facilities and commercial areas – and a committee regularly adds more.
Tony Maddox has courageously decided to fight the charges and will appeal in the Supreme Court [currently scheduled] on 20 February 2026.
For more information about the Tony Maddox case, visit www.TonyMaddox.info
