Tarrkarri Centre for First Nations Cultures

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO (Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (14:38): I seek leave to make a brief explanation prior to addressing questions to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs regarding the future of the Tarrkarri Centre for First Nations Cultures.

Leave granted.

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO: Construction of Tarrkarri began in 2021 with a budget of $200 million but was put on hold in 2022 pending a review. A government-appointed panel later recommended an investment of $400 million to $600 million to deliver the project as originally intended. Despite this, no funding commitment has been made as part of the government's 10-year cultural plan, as announced on Monday. Instead, a mere $2.3 million has been allocated for First Nations arts and culture as part of that 10-year, $80 million arts and culture plan. That's 1.15 per cent of the promised Marshall government's 2021 investment. Concerns have been raised by Aboriginal elders about the lack of communication regarding the future of Tarrkarri. My questions to the minister are:

1. Has the government made a decision on the future of Tarrkarri and, if not, when will it?

2. Has the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs consulted with the Voice on the decision about Tarrkarri?

3. Why has the full report by the panel, including recommendations, not been publicly released?

4. Given no further funding has been allocated, what is the government's alternative plan for preserving and showcasing Aboriginal cultural heritage?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (14:40): I thank the honourable member for her question. I have answered questions about Tarrkarri a number of times over recent months in the Legislative Council. The position remains the same. The money is still there in the budget.

However, as I have said before in the Legislative Council, the advice to the government was that the $200 million between the state and the federal government initially allocated to the funding would build something that would be of state interest, of significance—maybe some national interest—but that certainly wasn't enough to have it of international significance. The government is still pursuing further funding options, whether they be from the federal government or from the private or philanthropic sector, and that remains the case.