Mr VOWLES - 2013-11-28
The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority has worked hard to protect sacred sites across the Territory, including sites potentially affected by the Ord River expansion scheme. It has taken legal action against those who have damaged sacred sites, including government agencies. Yesterday the board of the AAPA heard of your plans to change sacred site legislation, to dump the current board and replace it with a board hand-picked by you. The minister for AAPA, the member for Stuart, would not meet with the board about your proposed changes. The board has, in turn, had to turn to the former minister, the member for Namatjira, and the member for Arnhem for help and advice. Why are you attacking the AAPA board, a group of eminent Territorians just doing its job?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Johnston for his question. It is good to see he has the first question today. It must be the first time. He has moved up the ranks; he must be backing the right candidate for the Leader of the Opposition’s job. Well done, member for Johnston.
You could have asked the minister responsible for AAPA. Yes, we are looking at the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority act. We look at different pieces of legislation on a regular basis.
A lot of work has been done by the sacred sites Authority over many years. We respect the work it does and the work our land councils do in regard to sacred sites. We are looking to see how well the act is functioning and whether it needs any changes or improvements. It is something we do on a regular basis.
I am happy to hand over to the minister responsible to explain what is happening with the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority.
Mrs PRICE (Parks and Wildlife): Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Johnston for raising the question. We are looking at ways of better utilising AAPA and the committee. We are reviewing it at the moment. It has nothing to do with me.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Johnston for his question. It is good to see he has the first question today. It must be the first time. He has moved up the ranks; he must be backing the right candidate for the Leader of the Opposition’s job. Well done, member for Johnston.
You could have asked the minister responsible for AAPA. Yes, we are looking at the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority act. We look at different pieces of legislation on a regular basis.
A lot of work has been done by the sacred sites Authority over many years. We respect the work it does and the work our land councils do in regard to sacred sites. We are looking to see how well the act is functioning and whether it needs any changes or improvements. It is something we do on a regular basis.
I am happy to hand over to the minister responsible to explain what is happening with the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority.
Mrs PRICE (Parks and Wildlife): Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Johnston for raising the question. We are looking at ways of better utilising AAPA and the committee. We are reviewing it at the moment. It has nothing to do with me.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016