Page 3910 - Week 12 - Tuesday, 29 November 2022
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ACT Heritage Council—independent review
Ministerial statement
MS VASSAROTTI (Kurrajong—Minister for the Environment, Minister for Heritage, Minister for Homelessness and Housing Services and Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction) (10.24): I rise to brief the Assembly on the outcomes of the review into the ACT Heritage Council that I commissioned in August 2022. The review was necessary after I was briefed on issues that were impacting on the current performance of the council, and the strength of relationship between council members and ACT Heritage in the Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, which I will refer to as the directorate.
As Canberra continues to grow, the community and the government now more than ever require well-functioning heritage arrangements to ensure that the ACT’s natural, cultural and Indigenous heritage are recognised, registered and conserved for future generations. This requirement relies on good legislation and an effective Heritage Council that delivers its statutory functions under the Heritage Act 2004 in a collaborative and professional manner.
In response to the directorate briefing me about apparent issues within the council, I wrote to all members of the council in August 2022 to advise that an independent review would be undertaken into the operational activities of the council. The Nous Group was engaged to perform this work. I acknowledge their assistance with this task that involved interviewing council members apart from the ex-officio members and staff members of ACT Heritage.
I would like to acknowledge all Canberrans who contacted me to support the need for a review of the Heritage Council. The strong support and desire for change is further evidence of the need for the ACT to reform its heritage arrangements. Many residents have taken the time to share their stories and the need for a new approach to the regulation, governance and administration of heritage in the ACT.
The report from the review paints a concerning picture. It confirms that there are wide-ranging and complex structural issues impacting the performance and relationship of the council and ACT Heritage. I am saddened and disappointed about the findings. It is clear from the report that the government needs to take urgent action to address the findings and restore confidence in the Heritage Council and ensure that it achieves its statutory functions and delivers the services that the government requires and that Canberrans expect.
I have spoken with the chair and the deputy chair of the council about the findings from the review. I have expressed my loss of confidence in the council. Both of these members have indicated the need for me to take strong and appropriate action in response to the findings. I have also written to all other members of the council to provide them a copy of the report and my views as expressed to the chair and the deputy chair and seek their feedback on the report. Most have taken up this opportunity and their feedback will be helpful for informing the next steps.
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