Now a century or so later, developers have proposed a bridge to the island. The Ngarrindjeri requested it not be built in respect for their ancient spiritual beliefs regarding the sacred nature of this island and its role in the whole body of Australia and the earth. The Federal Labour Government held an inquiry and put in place a 25-year ban. In May 1995 the media began reporting suggestions that the Ngarrindjeri 'women's business' which is the basis of the sacred nature of this island, was a fabrication. A Royal Commission was called to investigate.
Aboriginal history is recorded orally.
It is passed on orally. Aboriginal law is strict and uncompromising. The women then withdrew because their nation did not recognize the Commission's authority to inquire into their hidden knowledge. The Royal Commission found that the 'women's business' was a deliberate fabrication. A further Federal inquiry was challenged in court by developers and was ruled invalid on a legal technicality.