Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy) Share this | Hansard source

The federal government is carefully considering applications under the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage Protection Act 1984 to protect Aboriginal sites near James Price Point. As the applications are the subject of legal decision-making processes, it would be inappropriate for Minister Burke to comment on possible outcomes.

The areas specified in applications are part of a native title claim. Representatives of the native title claimants consider there are adequate safeguards in place to protect traditionally significant sites. The applicants, who are also members of the native title claimant group, disagree. For one of the applications, Minister Burke is required to consult parties whose interests could be affected by Minister Burke's decision. The consultation is nearing conclusion after being delayed initially by cultural sensitivities and changes to the application. If there is any further information I can provide you from Minister Burke, I will provide it. (Time expired)