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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-03-17 Daily Xml
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Aboriginal Heritage Act

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:41): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation questions about the review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Back in 2008, the now Premier announced a review of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988 to address the anachronisms related to native title and land management. The government undertook an extensive public consultation process which was completed by the end of April 2009. I asked a question of the minister's predecessor back in October on this very issue to which he said there would be even more consultation and that new legislation would be drafted over the ensuing 12 months. My questions to the minister are:

1. Why has it taken the government seven years to consult and decide on this issue?

2. Is the minister happy with this level of progress?

3. What has caused the protracted delay?

4. When can we expect to see a draft bill?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation, Minister for Automotive Transformation, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation) (14:42): I thank the honourable member for his question and his interest in these matters. As the honourable member knows, Aboriginal heritage and the operation of the Aboriginal Heritage Act is a very complicated area and many people have many views. It is recognised that things could be better both for Aboriginal people seeking to protect their heritage and also other stakeholders who deal with the Aboriginal Heritage Act. I will be happy to take on notice for the member exactly where the review is up to and at what stage any legislative changes that may follow from that may be introduced.

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