A division of the Liberal Party of Australia
TRADITIONAL USE OF MARINE RESOURCES AGREEMENT
31 August, 2006
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Thanks Very Much John and good afternoon everybody.
There are so many significant people here today and I think thats a recognition of the importance of today’s event, but I do want to acknowledge some of the people here.
The most important people here today are of course the Girringun people who have been part of putting this legal agreement together and I know they have worked long and hard.
They are a great group of people and I think it is significant, although it is always dangerous to say this but I think its significant that they are a very proactive group just a little bit north of here and I think its significant that they are the first to be involved in one of these TUMRA agreements which of course stands for Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement.
I particularly want to recognise Virginia Chadwick and all of her staff and the great work they do, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the fantastic job they do looking after our Great Barrier Reef and of course we want to keep it great. It’s good to see board members Councillor Fay Barker here and Dr Evelyn Scott and other representatives of the Authority.
Can I acknowledge Lindy Nelson-Carr and let her know not to worry about the campaign trail for the moment as I have brought the Liberal Mundingburra candidate here with me today Mr Mick Reilly., so she can keep an eye on him !
Can I also acknowledge Senators McLucas and Senator Moore, I'm delighted to see them here and Jennie George of the Federal Parliament. Bishop Michael Putney we always know we are on the right track when Bishop Putney is here to make sure we are blessed in the right direction and its great to see you here. Various Councillors from the Thuringowa City Council and Townsville City Council and many other distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen.
This particular agreement is so significant because it implements one of the objectives of Australia’s Oceans Policy - a policy that is unique in the world that was introduced by the federal government back in 1997. And it does recognise the importance of involving Aboriginal and Torres Straight Island people in the use, conservation and management of Australia’s marine jurisdictions. This agreement is also very significant because it contributes towards our government shared responsibilities approach and also a similar approach from the commonwealth and all the state and territory government through COAG in their principal services they give to Indigenous communities.
This national partnerships approach that the states are agreed to will be endorsed by this particular group. And it is terribly important that indigenous people are involved, in the sustainable use of those very unique animals- Dugongs and Turtles. And this agreement also highlights the intention to highlight the potential to enhance the engagement with Indigenous Australians and increase opportunities for working in the sea country partnerships between government industry and the local communities
Ladies and Gentleman Queensland is the home of 27 % of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. And about 50 % of all indigenous people approximately 55, 0000, in Queensland live along the Great Barrier Reef Coast or live along the Great Barrier Reef Catchment area. And this relationship with the Sea and it’s resources are fundamental to the traditional owners and their cultural social and economic life and well being. The sustainable management of the sea Country in which their rights responsibility and interests are recognised and respected is amongst the highest priorities not only for the traditional people but also for all Australians and its great to see this very first TUMRA with six traditional sea groups. And I do want to thank Virginia Wilds and Emanuel Ross for their welcome to their country. We are always made very welcome to your country and thank you for that welcome.
Ladies and Gentleman there are a number of Indigenous groups that I’m sure are lining up for the next TUMRA I’m delighted to see Bob Muir and Ethel Muir, it was great to see you down at Woopaburra on Keppel Island. I know that you will be lining up for a TUMARA to.
Virginia Chadwick is here and I let this opportunity go buy to say that the people of Palm Island need to get together with you, Jessica Weber and I were over there yesterday talking to the Palm Island people and they desperately need someone to have a close look at Palm Island to address some of the things over there that could be of benefit to the Great Barrier Reef and a benefit to the people of Palm Island.
Ladies and gentleman I am here today to represent my friend and colleague Senator Ian Campbell the Minister for Environment and Heritage, before I leave I did just want to read a message that Senator Campbell has sent along
“As the Minister for Environment and Heritage, I regret that I cannot be present today for the celebration of the Girringun TUMRA, particularly as this is the first formal opportunity to celebrate its significance.
This TUMRA is a significant milestone in implementing the Australian Government’s ‘shared responsibility approach’, working with Indigenous Australians. I am particularly pleased that Traditional Owners and government agencies are working together in a cooperative partnership to sustainably manage sea country and its important resources.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved who worked hard in the preparation of the Girringun TUMRA, including:
• most importantly, the Girringun Traditional Owners; and
• the staff of the managing agencies, but particularly those in the GBRMPA’s Indigenous Partnerships Liaison Unit.
I look forward to hearing more about the successes of this TUMRA as it is further implemented”.
Ladies and Gentlemen congratulation to all involved, today is a very significant day it’s an honour for me to be here to celebrate this with the Girringun people.