The Liberal Government is committed to resetting the relationship with Tasmanian Aboriginal people.
My Government wants real, tangible outcomes to recognise Aboriginal people, close the gap on disadvantage and to connect to country and culture.
Last week I started consultation with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community with a state-wide community meeting hosted by the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.
These discussions were constructive and productive, and were rightly centred on issues that are important to the Tasmanian Aboriginal community.
It was a great opportunity to hear the issues concerning the community. Importantly, it was a chance to talk about new areas of opportunity like tourism, to make sure we make the most of our rich cultural heritage and explore the possibility of increased management responsibility.
While I'm not going to pre-empt the outcomes of our discussions, our plan is centred on genuine consultation and engagement.
I've since written to the TAC inviting them to work with us to find a negotiated outcome to the legal dispute around access to the Arthur-Pieman Conservation Area, which includes a commitment to working together to better protect Aboriginal heritage.
While we remain committed to increasing access to the area, legal circumstances have provided a genuine opportunity for better communication with the Aboriginal community and other stakeholders, including recreational users.
This approach could include collaboration on installation and ongoing monitoring of proposed protective works, routine maintenance of those works, installation of educative and enforcement signs, procurement and consideration of employment of Aboriginal rangers.
We have also highlighted the concept of guided touring as a way of ensuring on-ground adherence.
This is an immediate opportunity to trial joint management arrangements, an approach that has never been taken in Tasmania before.
I look forward to continuing to consult with the Tasmanian Aboriginal people and stakeholders over coming months.