Ms O’CONNOR question to MINISTER for PARKS, Mr DUIGAN
I am sure you agree that Aboriginal heritage is one of the Wilderness World Heritage Area’s main outstanding universal values. The TWWHA safeguards the oldest living culture on Earth. The proponent of the Lake Malbena heli-tourism proposal claims to have consulted with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community about his intention to immerse his clients in Aboriginal culture and values. Our understanding, based on correspondence and communication from various Aboriginal groups, one of whom will not let the proponent access Malbena via their land, is that this is untrue. We also understand from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water that the proponent has not completed the required thorough Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report needed for the EPBC assessment.
Minister, will you exercise due diligence, and if the proponent has not undertaken this required genuine consultation by the new lease deadline of 25 March, not again prolong this insulting excluding process, revoke the lease, and return Halls Island to all people?
ANSWER
Mr President, I thank the member for the question and their ongoing interest in the matter. My information is the matters you raise regarding Aboriginal heritage is part of the Environment Protection, Biodiversity and Conservation referral, which, as you would understand, are between the proponent and the federal government minister. That process is underway. Regarding the lease, at the time that is up for potential extension, I will take some advice and make a decision on it then.
