NATIONAL PARKS

Mrs GERAGHTY (Torrens) (14:59): My question is to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Minister, you will listen to this question; it's for you.

The Hon. P. Caica: I am, thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes, I am.

Mrs GERAGHTY: What are the objectives of the recently launched public consultation regarding our national parks system?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:59): I thank the member for this very important question. Last week, a public consultation period on proposed changes to the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 was launched. The legislation governing our parks is now 40 years old and can be improved to reflect the way we manage parks today. It is proposed to modernise the legislation by introducing a new reserve category system which will bring the act into line with contemporary approaches being taken around the world.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: No, I didn't.

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: I don't believe so. The member is harassing me, Madam Speaker. It is hard enough being harassed when they ask the questions, let alone on a government question.

The SPEAKER: Order! Then don't respond to his interjections.

The Hon. P. CAICA: The proposed changes are not intended to change how we use our parks. Instead the changes seek to clarify the manner in which they are managed in most cases to allow for a range of uses in conjunction with nature conservation. Recreational activities currently permitted in parks will continue to be permitted and future activities will continue to be assessed through the statutory management planning processes.

In addition to the current categories of national parks, conservation park, recreational park, regional reserve and game reserve, the proposed changes to the act create two new categories—heritage park and nature reserve. The Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources has already undertaken extensive engagement with traditional owners across the state, a range of conservation groups and representatives of the mining industry to help shape the proposed amendments to the act. Mining companies stand to benefit from a clarification of rights of access, and the amendments will also update park co-management provisions to better recognise the aspirations of—

An honourable member interjecting:

The Hon. P. CAICA: It's about providing security and clarity; you know that. They will better recognise the aspirations of traditional owners for greater access to, and connection with, country. I am confident that the proposed changes will support further improvements in the contemporary management of our parks and I encourage all members, including those opposite who usually have an inability to engage in a consultation process, but I encourage all members to engage in the consultation process which runs until 21 December this year. More information about the consultation is available at www.environment.sa.gov.au and subsequent links.