Andrew Gee (Calare, Independent) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

My question is to the Prime Minister. ACEREZ, EnergyCo and the New South Wales government have just completely obliterated a Wiradjuri cultural site as they put in transmission lines for the Central West-Orana Renewable Energy Zone. It's a disgrace and an outrage. When I previously raised issues of grievous environmental destruction with the federal minister for the environment and water, investigations did not result in any action being taken. This could have been prevented. What's it going to take to bring these vandals to heel, and where is the accountability here?

Hon. Members:

Honourable members interjecting—

Milton Dick (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Whoever is making those disparaging noises, I don't know where you think you are, but they have no place in the federal parliament. For goodness's sake.

Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Climate Change and Energy) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The honourable member raises a most serious matter. I completely agree with the points that he has made. What has happened, on the face of it, is utterly unacceptable. I'll discuss the matter with the Minister for Indigenous Australians. I no doubt will discuss the matter with the New South Wales government as well because we all have some responsibilities here, including the Commonwealth. I'm happy to keep the honourable member fully advised of progress in the investigation and action that arises. The point that he makes—that any destruction of First Nations culture is utterly unacceptable—is one that I entirely agree with.