Aboriginal Monuments

In reply to Mr TEAGUE (Heysen) (20 June 2024). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): I have been advised of the following:

The Attorney-General’s Department has a budget of $1 million across 2023-24 and 2024-25 for this election commitment. Whilst no direct spending has been incurred as at 30 June 2024, consultation continues to be undertaken on this project.

The former Commissioner for Aboriginal Engagement, Dr Roger Thomas, led statewide engagement in 2022 with Aboriginal community leaders and organisations to obtain their views about Aboriginal leaders who should be commemorated. There was a high level of support in the Aboriginal community for this initiative.

Dr Thomas also held preliminary discussions with metropolitan and regional councils about co-funding and identifying suitable sites.

I have met with Dr Jane Lomax-Smith AM, Lord Mayor, City of Adelaide to discuss potential sites for some of the statues or monuments in Adelaide’s CBD, and the Attorney-General’s Department is continuing these discussions with Adelaide City Council.