Stronger Traditional Owner voice in park management

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley has today announced new investments in Indigenous employment, a stronger decision-making voice for Traditional Owners and steps to modernise management across Australia’s jointly managed national parks.

The $48 million investment in Parks Australia includes Indigenous-owned Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa, Kakadu and Booderee National Parks, and comes as Minister Ley concludes a series of briefings with Traditional Owners on a new report into jointly managed Commonwealth national parks.

“Having heard the concerns of Traditional Owners through board meetings and on Country, and having initiated a change process within Parks management, I commissioned a Senior Advisory Group co-chaired by Amanda Vanstone and Joe Martin-Jard, to go further and review all aspects of jointly managed parks,” Minister Ley said.

“I thank them for a report which is unapologetically stark in its assessment, and which sets out a clear direction. It also reflects the importance of a process that is already underway.

“At the heart of that process is the trust between Traditional Owners and Parks Australia, strengthening respect for culture and customs, and the participation of Indigenous Australians in leading the management of their Country.

“I will work through the recommendations with the Traditional Owners and Parks Australia but have already asked Parks Australia to implement further measures to improve joint management, and to undertake major analysis to identify options for modernising parks business.

“We will invest $10.6 million to reform existing employment frameworks, in consultation with Traditional Owners, encourage Indigenous business participation and create new Indigenous employment positions.

“A further $38 million in operational funding will be provided across Parks Australia to support a broad range of activities including threatened species management, the removal of invasive weeds and feral pests, fire management, cultural heritage protection and tourism – to better meet a range of joint and Traditional Owner objectives.

“A program of renewal and change is underway. In the last twelve months we have increased the representation of Traditional Owners on the Kakadu Board of Management, facilitated the handback of Jabiru township and upgraded housing, ensured ongoing scientific funding to oversee the rehabilitation of the Ranger Uranium mine and carried out or commenced major works at Jim Jim Creek crossing, Walpa Gorge walking track and work on redeveloping Murrays Boardwalk.

The Morrison Government has invested an unprecedented $450 million in capital works for national parks managed by Parks Australia and the roll out of that funding is continuing.

The Senior Advisory Group report is available on this link.