Sussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party, Minister for the Environment) Share this | Hansard source

I'm very pleased to provide some summing-up remarks. Firstly, I thank the members who spoke passionately on this bill: the member for Fremantle; the member for Sydney; the member for Warringah, who we just heard from; the member for North Sydney—yourself, Mr Deputy Speaker; the member for Wentworth; the member for Grayndler, and the member for Reid. All recognised that these former defence sites are beautiful jewels in the crown of Sydney Harbour, remarkable for their Indigenous, natural and military history.

This legislation demonstrates that the government is faithfully taking forward recommendations of the independent review of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. The legislation provides much-needed certainty for the trust to continue its works in protecting and preserving the values of its iconic sites by making it an ongoing entity. At the same time, it ensures the right governance is in place for the trust as it becomes that ongoing entity. The legislation will increase public confidence in the oversight of the trust by providing greater clarity around experience and knowledge requirements for the members. Importantly, the legislation reforms the review and approval processes for the long-term leasing and licencing of trust land and trust buildings. The changes will ensure that the trust has the flexibility to partner with others where it would clearly further the objectives of public access and amenity and that the public can continue to have confidence that the trust sites will be protected into the future from inappropriate commercialisation.

I once again commend the bill to the House.

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