Tarrkarri Centre for First Nations Cultures

The Hon. J.S. LEE (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:49): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking a question of the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs about Tarrkarri—Centre for First Nations Cultures.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: In response to a question in this chamber on 3 May 2023, the minister stated that he will listen to the South Australian Aboriginal community. One year later, on 7 May 2024, the ABC reported that Aboriginal elders feel that they have been kept in the dark about the future of Tarrkarri—Centre for First Nations Cultures and have described the site as 'a graveyard for their culture'. Kaurna Elder Tim Agius said, and I quote:

More importantly, that's on our country, but we haven't been engaged in it. Community is kept in the dark.

My questions to the minister are:

1. Reflecting on the statement the minister made about listening to the South Australian Aboriginal community, and what has been revealed and we know now, why is it that the community doesn't feel that they have been listened to in relation to the grave concerns about the stalled Tarrkarri project?

2. Is the minister satisfied that the review panel consulted widely with Aboriginal elders and communities and that their expectations were given weight in the report handed to the government in April last year?

3. What specific engagement has the minister undertaken with Aboriginal communities about the findings of the review and to assure them that the future of the project can still go ahead?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (14:51): I thank the honourable member for her question. As the Premier has made clear, the project is still under consideration. The money allocated for it remains in the state budget.

In relation to views of Aboriginal community members and Aboriginal elders, certainly there have been quite a number of Aboriginal elders—Kaurna and other elders—who have spoken to me and wanted to talk to me about not just Tarrkarri but a whole range of other things. As a general rule, my door is always open. Many Aboriginal elders have my phone number and feel free to use it and give me a call and let me know what their views are, including Kaurna elders and other elders.