Mr BAYLEY - Do you already have an Aboriginal heritage permit for that project in the Northern Midlands?
Mr KNEEBONE - I believe we do. I think we have all of the permits apart from EPBC.
Mr BAYLEY - Given that you take social responsibilities seriously, two years ago the minister came into the parliament here and effectively tabled a review that said that that act is not effective. It does not provide effective mechanisms for protection. One of the concerns of the Aboriginal community is that projects, perhaps such as the Northern Midlands Scheme, but certainly others, are proceeding, while being assessed against that inadequate act. Does that seem like a problem for a company that takes its social responsibility seriously?
Mr KNEEBONE - We see the act as a minimum, but not just what we do. If we find there are Aboriginal or heritage issues associated with our alignment, very rarely would we aim to remove or move through them. We would redesign around them, and avoid them at all costs. We do take that very seriously. In fact, in the South East Project, we have completely avoided the Jordan Levy just for that purpose.
Mr BAYLEY - This is a perfect example as to why we need new legislation. Can I urge the minister to do whatever you can with your minister in our House to get moving on Aboriginal heritage protection legislation? This is the kind of disempowerment Aboriginal people feel when massive projects are perhaps put forward with good intent but are assessed against legislation that the very minister said two-and-a-half years ago does not provide effective mechanisms to protect their heritage. That is why we need a review. It is critically urgent so that these projects can be assessed with confidence.
Ms PALMER - We will certainly take note of that and ensure that your comments today are fed back to the appropriate minister.
Mr BAYLEY - And the context, please.
Ms PALMER - And the context, absolutely. I think importantly what our CEO has said is that with the legislation that they have, they look at that as the minimum. I commend Tas Irrigation on that.
Mr BAYLEY - It is worse than the minimum unfortunately.
Ms PALMER - I will take your comments to the appropriate minister.
