Ms BADGER – Just on the RAA (Reserve Activity Assessment) reform, the summary report from the consultation paper dropped late last week. Of 800 submissions, honestly, only four of those could be considered positive to the proposals in the consultation paper. The rest were absolutely scathing of the approach that was suggested.
The reference to the legislation reform being tabled at the end of this year, 2024, has been removed from your website. Minister, could you enlighten us about the new time frame for this reform? Given that you’re now doing an options paper, it certainly seems like you’re taking quite a large step back from what is much‑needed legislative reform.
Mr DUIGAN – Thank you. Appreciate the question. The public consultation period was extended twice to ensure that all interested parties have the opportunity to make a submission. Targeted stakeholder engagement has occurred with key stakeholders, National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council (NPWAC), the State Planning Office, the Tasmanian National Parks Association, Local Government Association, and many others.
You mentioned the number of submissions received, over 800, noting that a very large majority of those were pro forma submissions. The submissions and accompanying submissions report are available to view on the Department of Natural Resources and Environment’s website. As to next steps, feedback from the submission process is currently being considered ahead of the Parks and Wildlife Service developing an RAA reforms option paper as you have outlined in your question.
Ms BADGER – There’s no time frame for that options paper to be presented or a new deadline for the RAA reform holistically?
Mr DUIGAN – In answer to the question, what was the question?
Ms BADGER – What was the timeframe?
Mr DUIGAN – The timeframe is not known at this stage. It is not defined. We note that it’s a complex piece of work. We’re considering feedback that has been received. We would point to the publication of the lease and licence data across the Parks portfolio, which is leading to better transparency –
Ms BADGER – Are you still committed to the reform or are you walking away from it?
CHAIR – Ms Badger, could you speak up?
Ms BADGER – Sorry.
Mr DUIGAN – Considering the feedback-
Ms BADGER – Considering the feedback, so you are –
Mr DUIGAN – Putting out an options paper, having a look at it.
