Aboriginal Park Rangers

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (15:02): My question is to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs. Will the minister inform the council about the new Aboriginal park rangers employed to increase Aboriginal management of South Australia's natural environment?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (15:02): I thank the honourable member for his question. I am proud to inform the chamber about the success of employing 15 new Aboriginal park rangers to manage South Australia's special natural environment. This initiative talks to our commitment to conservation, cultural heritage and economic empowerment. Launched in 2022, responding to an election commitment, it is a partnership that harnesses the deep knowledge and expertise of First Nations people in caring for country.

The new rangers are now working in national parks across South Australia from the Limestone Coast and Eyre Peninsula to the Far West Coast, Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island and the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges. The contribution of the rangers to our parks is profound and the program is a key element of our broader effort to increase Aboriginal involvement in the management of protected areas.

Through this initiative, we are enhancing the capabilities of the National Parks and Wildlife Service while also honouring Aboriginal traditions and knowledge. It is a co-management model that has been established for some time in South Australia's national parks, spanning across an impressive 13.5 million hectares, equating to some 13 per cent of the land area of South Australia. This approach is not only a practical model for land management but also plays a vital part in supporting culture, storytelling and language, ultimately providing a richer experience for people visiting our national parks. By combining traditional knowledge with contemporary practices, we are not just managing parks; we are safeguarding our shared heritage for generations to come.