Algal Bloom

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:59): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before directing a question to the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs about Aboriginal affairs concerns.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.S. LEE: Several groups representing First Nations people have made submissions to the Senate inquiry into the harmful algal bloom, calling for more transparency and culturally appropriate information about the bloom and seeking to be included in decision-making in the response. The Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation stated that there has been 'a lack of direct engagement and dialogue with Kaurna and other First Nations' people and called for the government to involve Kaurna people in the response to 'provide cultural authority and oversight'. Similarly, the director of the Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Mr Garry Goldsmith, stated that and I quote:

…we have been ignored once again by Commonwealth and State governments to be stakeholders and our rights to caring for Country and remedy in the solutions for the algal blooms.

Mr Goldsmith told ABC news:

At the moment we seem to be at odds with the current system that continues to leave us out on the conversations that are important.

My questions to the minister are:

1. What steps are being taken by the government to engage First Nations communities and incorporate cultural knowledge into the response and recovery efforts for the harmful algal bloom?

2. What role does the minister see for Aboriginal cultural knowledge in shaping the scientific and environmental response to the algal bloom, and how is this being supported across relevant agencies?

3. What specific program support is currently available to Aboriginal corporations or communities to assist with the impacts of recovery efforts related to the harmful algal bloom?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, Special Minister of State) (15:01): I thank the member for her question. It is, indeed, a good question. I agree with Aboriginal leaders, including Allan Sumner and Garry Goldsmith about the impact these sorts of things have on Aboriginal communities, Aboriginal people and Aboriginal families. Aboriginal people have been custodians of the lands and the seas of South Australia for tens of thousands of years—thousands of generations—and have managed to do that in harmony with the nature and the land that they live upon, something that stands in stark contrast to the last couple of hundred years of what has happened to the lands and waterways in South Australia and Australia more generally.

It is, as the honourable member has said, important that Aboriginal knowledge is used, and Aboriginal people and organisations are involved in efforts, whether it be the algal bloom that is happening now or in previous events that have happened. I know that during the River Murray flood event the River Murray and Mallee Aboriginal Corporation were consulted with in terms of recovery efforts, and I have met with a number of those in relation to that particular aspect. I have certainly had a number of discussions with different Aboriginal groups, individuals and organisations about the algal bloom, but I also know from advice from the environment minister that there is continuing engagement with Aboriginal communities to ensure, as the honourable member points out, that cultural knowledge is part of recovery actions.

I am advised that, in August, the Department for Environment and Water corresponded with the First Nations Voice to Parliament and also 15 native title bodies to provide information on what was occurring. I am further advised that the State Voice to Parliament was formally briefed on 15 September this year. I am advised that the government's Algal Bloom Reference Group is comprised of external stakeholders who provide advice to government and includes First Nations representatives. I am further advised that the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) will be briefed in mid to late September.

In relation to the involvement of Aboriginal groups and organisations in recovery efforts, I am advised that the Algal Bloom Coordination Unit is finalising negotiations particularly with the Point Pearce Aboriginal Corporation regarding Narungga Sea Rangers' involvement in recovery efforts on beaches on the Yorke Peninsula. The honourable member is quite right that it does have a significant impact on Aboriginal people and Aboriginal communities. Their knowledge and their involvement is needed.