Ms O’CONNOR question to MINISTER for PARKS, Mr DUIGAN
My colleague, the member for Lyons, Ms Badger, has reminded me that the assessment that is holding up the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) decision is the required ‘thorough Aboriginal cultural heritage assessment’, which was requested back in 2023. The Aboriginal Land Council of Tasmania has not seen the submitted report relating to their own heritage. I will just let you contemplate that for a moment. This is contrary to Aboriginal heritage standards and procedures. Before you revised and renewed the lease for Mr Hackett of world heritage, sacred Palawa land, did you exercise any due diligence and check, view or request the cultural heritage assessment submitted to the Environment Department?
ANSWER
Mr President, I would reiterate that submissions to EPBC are not a matter for the Tasmanian state government to oversee.
Ms O’Connor – You signed that lease.
Mr DUIGAN – As I have said previously, I extended the lease on the basis that the proponent is in that process, remains in that process, with no determination having been made. Subsequent to the successful or otherwise progression through that process they will also then require a DA from the local planning authority. In my view, a 12‑month lease extension was entirely appropriate.
Ms O’Connor – Not the question. You have been very dismissive of the Palawa people in your answer.
