Hunting Marlu in the Murchison
culture

Hunting Marlu in the Murchison

October 2023

In Western Australia the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 s 23 (WA) exempts Aborigines from conservation laws when hunting for food on land not being a native reserve or wildlife sanctuary. The Governor can suspend the operation of the section if he thinks the provision is being abused or that a species has become unduly depleted. In relation to nature reserves under this Act agreements have been made with tribal groups to enable them to take fauna under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1976 (WA) s 12D, 12E

Photographs: Tamati Smith

Hunting Marlu in the Murchison
Hunting Marlu in the Murchison
Hunting Marlu in the Murchison
Hunting Marlu in the Murchison
Hunting Marlu in the Murchison
Hunting Marlu in the Murchison
Hunting Marlu in the Murchison
Hunting Marlu in the Murchison
Hunting Marlu in the Murchison

Under Commonwealth law Aboriginal people are not subject to conservation laws unless those laws are expressly stated to apply to them (National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1975 (Cth) s 70).

Went out with the relations to practice some hunting for food in the Murchison and helped fill up mum and other families fridges back in Geraldton. 1 Marlu (kangaroo) cost $8.8, which is the price of a bullet and the fuel used to get out there. We got 10 Marlus (Kangaroo’s), 2 Bungarra (Goannas), 1 Bardura (Bush Turkey) and 1 Yalabirri (Emu).

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