Ms BADGER question to MINISTER for PARKS and ENVIRONMENT, Mr DUIGAN
You recently signed a six-month extension to the exclusive lease over Halls Island. This is a very serious decision considering that Wild Drake, who we know had the lease until 30 September, was placed in the hands of a liquidator on 13 September. Tasmanians rightfully want to know who you and the Liberal government consider a trustworthy custodian of this World Heritage island. Without information on the lease and its conditions, bushwalkers have no idea if they require leaseholder permission to access part of their National Park. This has insurance liability ramifications and potential trespass violations.
Who did you renew the Halls Island lease to? Was it Wild Drake, Daniel Hackett personally, or someone else? Will you be transparent with all Tasmanians and table by the end of the day the deed of variation, the new lease or whatever the new document is that extends the lease over Halls Island until March 2025?
ANSWER
Honourable Speaker, I thank the member for the question. May I say at the outset that the Tasmanian government is committed to delivering the tourism expression of interest program and delivering sensitive tourism developments in our reserve estate. I think it is very important that we continue to reiterate that we want to see more people have the opportunity of accessing sensitive, appropriate operations in our special places. The Halls Island, Lake Malbena proposal remains subject to all local, state and Australian Government planning and approval processes. As stated previously, the proponent has responded to a request by the Australian Government and has submitted additional information as part of an Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) referral. It is a matter for the Australian Government to review and we will await minister Plibersek’s decision.
The process is underway in terms of Wild Drake and the application to have the company wound up. Liquid Data has been appointed and is currently undertaking appropriate processes, including dealing with relevant parties. I am not about to deal in any hypothetical or pre-empt any of those outcomes. The proponent has also advised that they are continuing to work with the Australian Government-
Ms BADGER – Point of order, Standing Order 45, relevance. It is very specifically on the lease renewal, which is not pre-empting anything that has already happened.
Members interjecting.
The SPEAKER – The Deputy Premier does not need to tell me that it was a long question. I wrote it down. The question did have an introduction, and the minister has spent nearly two minutes addressing that. I will draw him to the question specifically about the contract now. The minister can seek to update the house later if he would like. Is that easier for you, minister?
Mr DUIGAN – No, I think I am fine. There has not been any deregistration or declaration at this stage of the insolvency, and in terms of the extension of the lease –
Dr Woodruff – Just table the lease –
The SPEAKER – Order, I am trying to hear the answer.
Mr DUIGAN – I will update the House if this is not the case, but my understanding is that the lease is currently in the name of Wild Drake. In terms of access, I understand the proponent has reached out to you within hours of your statements at Estimates, allowing access to the land. I am also advised that the proponent is not able to verify –
The SPEAKER – The minister’s time for answering has expired.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Ms BADGER – A supplementary question, Speaker.
The SPEAKER – I will hear the supplementary.
Ms BADGER – The other part of that question was: will the minister table, by the end of the day, the new deed of variation, the new lease, or whatever the document is that extends that lease?
The SPEAKER- That was the original question, minister. It is an appropriate supplementary, and I will draw you to that part of the question.
Mr DUIGAN – I am happy to take that on notice.
Dr Woodruff – What is that? Table it.
Mr DUIGAN – I will take advice on whether that is possible.
The SPEAKER – The minister will take on notice and update the House before the end of the day on whether he is able to table the document by the end of the day, is my understanding. I am getting a nod from the Premier’s adviser; they are aware of that.
