Ms O’CONNOR question to MINISTER for PARKS, Mr DUIGAN
You are responsible for leasing the proposed project at Halls Island, Lake Malbena in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA). For the project Reserve Activity Assessment, can you confirm Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania has commenced both an Aboriginal Heritage Desktop Review and an Aboriginal Heritage Assessment Report and can you give us an update on the desktop review and the heritage assessment report?
ANSWER
Mr President, I am not sure that it is in my portfolio, but I might just seek some advice on that.
Ms O’Connor – It is part of the assessment process for the project.
Mr DUIGAN – Thanks for the question. There is currently no active RAA assessment.
Ms O’CONNOR – Supplementary.
Mr PRESIDENT – On a supplementary.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Ms O’CONNOR – Minister, are you saying there is no active Office of Aboriginal Affairs or that there is no Aboriginal Heritage Desktop Review or Aboriginal Heritage Assessment Report that have been prepared? Can you confirm both the review and the report are required as part of the EPBC assessment of the Halls Island heli‑tourism project?
Mr DUIGAN – I note your reference to the EPBC, which is obviously a matter for the Commonwealth Government.
Ms O’CONNOR – That is not the question. Point of order, Mr President.
Mr PRESIDENT – Which number?
Ms O’CONNOR – The minister answered a question that was not asked of him, and twice he was asked a specific question and pretended he did not hear it. I just ask you that we cannot make ministers say anything but -.
Mr PRESIDENT – I cannot make the minister answer the question.
Ms O’CONNOR – Well, no-one seems to be able to.
Mrs Hiscutt – Point of order number 48, Mr President.
