Ms O’CONNOR question to MINISTER for PARKS, Mr DUIGAN
I have a follow-up question to the Minister for Parks. This is not, with respect, about people who may have done the wrong thing when they visited Halls Island and Reg Hall’s Hut. The statement on the Halls Island Public Access Program website is really clear. If you have had a disagreement with Daniel Hackett in the past, which for example nearly every elected Greens MP has, and certainly bushwalkers and fly fishers, it is within his discretion to deny you access to a public place inside the World Heritage Area because, in his subjective view, you have not had a history of respectful relationships with the hut owners.
My question is in two parts. The first question is: to your mind, who owns Reg Hall’s Hut? The second question is: do you agree it is unacceptable for a single developer to have the power to deny passionate wilderness lovers and bushwalkers and fly fishers access to a place that has been enjoyed for generations because they have been mean to Daniel Hackett?
ANSWER
Mr President, I note that Daniel Hackett of Wild Drake Pty Ltd has a lease for the Halls Island Hut and a matter of public access is a matter for the proponent.
