SANDALWOOD HARVEST
157. Hon COLIN HOLT to the Minister for Environment:
I refer to this year's
decision by the Department of Biosecurity, Conservation and Attractions to
categorise native title as private land for the purpose of sandalwood harvest
licences in 2019–20.
(1) Why has the
DBCA categorised native title that exists on crown land as private land for the
purpose of sandalwood harvesting licences, essentially restricting the rights
of native title holders to harvest sandalwood for commercial purposes?
(2) Does the minister agree with
this categorisation?
(3) Is the
minister aware that harvesters from Kutkabubba Aboriginal Corporation are being
disadvantaged by competing for uncommitted amounts within the 10 per cent
private land allocation and therefore compromising it as a local business
providing commercial and employment opportunities for a remote Aboriginal
community?
(4) If the minister is aware, has
he discussed the issue with the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs?
(5) If the minister is not aware, will he confer with
the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs to help resolve this issue?
Hon
STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) Crown land
over which native title has been determined has not been classified as private
land for the purposes of sandalwood harvesting.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) The McGowan
government supports and promotes Aboriginal participation in a range of
activities and industries. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and
Attractions is actively working with Kutkabubba Aboriginal Corporation so that
it can sustainably harvest sandalwood in relevant areas. I am also advised the
Kutkabubba Aboriginal community wrote to a number of ministers in March 2018
acknowledging that DBCA had committed to sorting out a short-term solution
while in parallel trying to finalise a longer-term sustainable approach.
(4)–(5) I
am seeking advice from DBCA on sandalwood management options. I can then liaise
with other relevant ministers on this matter.