Banjima Aboriginal Corporation Initiates Legal Action for Wittenoom Asbestos Cleanup

The Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation has launched legal proceedings against the Western Australian government, seeking to compel the Federal Court to mandate the cleanup of asbestos contamination at the Wittenoom mine site. The legal action, initiated by Gordon Legal, was filed in the Victorian Federal Court on February 25, 2026. The Wittenoom asbestos mine, which ceased operations 60 years ago, left behind hazardous tailings that have rendered the surrounding area dangerous and led to the closure of the Wittenoom townsite.

The Sydney Morning Herald

The Banjima people, who are traditional owners of the land, report alarmingly high rates of asbestos-related cancers, which they attribute to the contamination from the mine. Johnnell Parker, deputy chair of the Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, emphasized the deep connection his people have to their land and the ongoing impact of the mine's legacy. He stated, “Despite the damage, our elders have raised us to be strong and resilient. We carry in our hearts their strength as we continue the fight, to heal our country, to protect it, and to ensure future generations can stand on healthy land and remain connected to who they are.”

The Sydney Morning Herald

Western Australia Premier Roger Cook expressed sympathy for the Banjima people's plight and acknowledged their decision to pursue legal action. He indicated that while he respects their right to seek justice regarding the health impacts of the asbestos mine, he would have preferred a negotiated resolution. Cook stated, “I would prefer a negotiated outcome, but I respect absolutely and fundamentally respect their right to seek justice for what they believe are health impacts in relation to their population, but also the damage that’s been done to their country.”

The Sydney Morning Herald

The Banjima corporation is not only seeking remediation of the contaminated areas but also aims for redress for the historical injustices faced by their community due to the mine's operations over the past 80 years. Peter Gordon, senior partner at Gordon Legal, highlighted the long-term consequences of the mine's legacy, stating that the erosion of the cultural integrity of the Banjima nation would take generations to repair. He remarked, “But the longest journey to clean up the largest contaminated site in the Southern Hemisphere begins with a single step.”

The Sydney Morning Herald

While the Banjima people assert that they have the highest rates of asbestos cancer globally, specific statistics or studies to substantiate this claim were not provided in the sources. Additionally, the government's position on the extent of the contamination and the proposed remediation efforts remains unclear.

The Sydney Morning Herald

• “We Banjima people belong to one of the most beautiful parts of the world, and our connection to Banjima country runs deep.” — Johnnell Parker, Deputy Chair, Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation

The Sydney Morning Herald

• “But the longest journey to clean up the largest contaminated site in the Southern Hemisphere begins with a single step,” — Peter Gordon, Senior Partner, Gordon Legal

The Sydney Morning Herald

• “I would prefer a negotiated outcome, but I respect absolutely and fundamentally respect their right to get to seek justice for what they believe are health impacts in relation to their population, but also the damage that’s been done to their country.” — Roger Cook, Premier of Western Australia

The Sydney Morning Herald