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. The Aboriginal Heritage Act which is supposed to protect places of spiritual significance is inadequate and can be over-ridden by the Minister in favour of development. A Bill of grave consequence for all indigenous Australians, will soon clear the way under white law for the bridge to be built.