House of Representatives

Second Reading Speech

Kemp, Dr David, MP (Goldstein, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, LP, Government)

Australian Heritage Council (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2002

27 June, 2002

I move:

That this bill be now read a second time.

This bill is an adjunct to the Environment and Heritage Legislation Amendment Bill (No. 1) 2002 and the Australian Heritage Council Bill 2002.

The Australian Heritage Council (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2002 has two primary objectives.

Firstly, the bill provides for the repeal of the Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975 and provides for consequential amendments to other Commonwealth acts as a result of repealing this act.

Secondly, the bill puts in place arrangements for a smooth transition from the Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975 to the new scheme established by the main heritage bills.

The bill, together with the Environment and Heritage Legislation Amendment Bill (No.1) 2002 and the Australian Heritage Council Bill 2002, establishes a truly national scheme for the conservation of Australia's unique heritage assets. This national scheme harnesses the strengths of our federation by providing for Commonwealth leadership while also respecting the role of the states in delivering on-ground management of heritage places. A centrepiece of the new regime is the creation of an independent statutory heritage body, the Australian Heritage Council. I commend the bill to the House and I present the explanatory memorandum.

Debate (on motion by Mr Zahra) adjourned.