On TWWHA Cultural Assessment …

Cassy O’Connor MP, Greens Leader and Parks spokesperson, 3 March 2022

Petrusma Labels TWWHA Cultural Assessment ‘Impractical and Unnecessary’

“Impractical and unnecessary”.

That’s what the Tasmanian Parks Minister, Jacquie Petrusma MP thinks of UNESCO’s requirement for a Comprehensive Cultural Assessment over the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA).

This speaks volumes about how seriously the Gutwein Government takes its relationship with the palawa pakana people, Tasmania’s Aboriginal community.

In a time where Premier Gutwein pledges to walk towards Treaty and truth telling, his Government walks away from practical and respectful cooperation on how to protect Country. They would rather promote the interests of ASX listed companies keen to plunder, than respect the wishes of UNESCO, park users and the Tasmanian Aboriginal people.

The detailed plan for a Comprehensive Cultural Assessment has not been completed, yet the government ploughs ahead with its flailing EOI process that will turn the TWWHA into a property developers’ free for all in places like Lake Malbena and the South Coast Track.

The Liberals are running roughshod over the wishes of UNESCO and any spirit of consensus building with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.

“Impractical and unnecessary” – that’s what the Tasmanian Greens feel about irresponsible, destructive private development in our TWWHA, and we stand with the palawa people in respecting and caring for Country.

Media release – Jacquie Petrusma, Minister for Parks, 3 March 2022

Correcting the record

Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor has misrepresented my statements in parliament today, by issuing a media release that has conveniently rewritten my words.

The Greens should take the time to ensure that they have checked Hansard before making such accusations.

To be clear, I did not suggest that the requirement for a Detailed Plan for a Comprehensive Cultural Assessment over the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) was ‘impractical and unnecessary’. Far from it.

For the Greens’ benefit, this statement was in relation to any requirement to cease all development in the TWWHA – and this is a matter of public record.

This Government remains fully committed to the implementation of this detailed plan.

In fact, UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre has commended this Government for the work we are undertaking to deliver the detailed plan for a comprehensive cultural assessment of the TWWHA, which is a multi-year plan, to be carried out in stages, and due for completion in 2028.

We will be delivering 10 work packages as part of the 10 year Comprehensive Cultural Assessment plan, all designed to strengthen the understanding and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage values in the TWWHA, with 5 of those work packages currently underway.

In addition, we are also currently delivering another 4 additional projects in accordance with the TWWHA Management Plan that are directly related to the assessment of cultural values.

This Government takes its responsibilities in relation to the TWWHA seriously. Any projects within the property must meet all local, State and Australian Government approvals. In addition, we refer any proposals through to the State Party to the WHC where these have the potential to significantly impact the Outstanding Universal Value of the TWWHA.

I wholeheartedly reject the untruths broadcast by the Greens today, which only seeks to cause disruption and disunity instead of recognising that this Government continues to uphold and values highly our relationships with Tasmanian Aboriginal people.