APY Lands, Governance

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:16): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Is Mr Bruce Deans currently the general manager of the APY executive and, if not, why not?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (15:17): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. I understand that, at its meeting on 15 October this year, the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Executive resolved to terminate the employment of the general manager, Mr Bruce Deans. I am extremely concerned by this development. Mr Deans is the seventh APY general manager in four years.

A strong administration is necessary if APY is to operate as an institution that is effective and accountable to the communities they represent. This was one of the principles on which I agreed to undertake a limited review of the APY Land Rights Act 1988. Given that more than six months have passed since I sought the views of the APY on that review, I have today written to the APY requesting that they provide me with written reasons regarding the termination of Mr Deans and their views on the review of the act by 23 October 2014. I am, as I say, very concerned at this situation and I will be taking some advice on next steps.

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. T.J. Stephens: I am complimenting the minister. Can't you just give us a little bit of love time, here?

The PRESIDENT: The minister is quite comfortable with compliments, or abuse, I'm sure.