Notice of Publication of the Old Parliament House and Curtilage - Draft Replacement Management Plan (for the conservation of National and Commonwealth Heritage Values) - Public Comment

Overview

The Old Parliament House and Curtilage Draft Replacement Management Plan 2014-2019 was introduced to replace the existing Heritage Management Plan from 2008-2013 and to address the need for continued protection and management of the heritage values associated with Old Parliament House, which served as the home of Australia’s Federal Parliament from 1927 until 1988. This plan was prepared by the Minister for the Environment and the Attorney General and Minister for the Arts under the authority provided by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The policy objective of this draft management plan is to ensure the preservation of both Commonwealth Heritage and National Heritage values of the site, reflecting its significance in Australian democratic history and political process. Public comments on the draft plan were invited from members of the public, including Indigenous peoples with rights and interests in the place, as well as the ACT Government, to foster inclusive and comprehensive heritage management.

Scope and Application

The draft replacement management plan for Old Parliament House and Curtilage, developed by the Minister for the Environment and the Attorney General and Minister for the Arts, applies to the site itself and all activities conducted within its curtilage, which includes the preservation and management of the Commonwealth and National Heritage values inherent in the property. This management plan pertains to a broad range of stakeholders including the public, Indigenous peoples with rights and interests in the place, and the ACT Government. The draft plan seeks to replace the existing Heritage Management Plan for the period 2008-2013 and sets out the framework for the conservation and management of the site for the years 2014-2019. The application of this legislation is firmly rooted within the Australian Capital Territory, with the geographic scope limited to the Old Parliament House and its immediate surroundings. The draft management plan is open for public comment, inviting input from all interested parties, and extends its reach to both Indigenous peoples and the local government. The process for public consultation is clearly outlined, with physical and digital means provided for submitting feedback, and a strict deadline of 5.00pm AEST on Friday 30 May 2014 set for the receipt of comments.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of this legislation are found in paragraphs 324S(6)(a) and 341S(6)(b) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. These sections require the Minister for the Environment and the Attorney General and Minister for the Arts to prepare a draft management plan for the conservation of the National and Commonwealth Heritage values of Old Parliament House and its curtilage. This draft replacement management plan for 2014-2019 is intended to replace the Old Parliament House and Curtilage Heritage Management Plan 2008-2013. The draft plan seeks to protect and manage the site’s heritage values, which include significant historical, cultural, and architectural significance to the nation and the Commonwealth. The Act imposes several obligations and requirements on the relevant parties. Firstly, the Minister for the Environment and the Attorney General and Minister for the Arts are required to prepare a draft management plan for public comment, as per the legislative mandate. The draft plan must be made available for public viewing and comment during opening hours at the Museum of Australian Democracy, Old Parliament House, and also online. Secondly, the Act invites comments on the draft plan from members of the public, including Indigenous peoples with rights and interests in the place, and the ACT Government. This ensures that a broad range of stakeholders have the opportunity to provide input on the draft plan, which helps to ensure that the final plan reflects a wide range of perspectives and interests. The Act also outlines potential offences, penalties, or civil/criminal consequences for breaches of the legislation. However, the specific details of these consequences are not provided in the text. In general, breaches of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 can result in penalties of up to $666,000 for individuals and $3.33 million for corporations, as well as potential criminal charges and imprisonment. These penalties are intended to deter non-compliance with the Act and to encourage parties to adhere to the requirements set out in the legislation. It is important to note that the specific penalties and consequences for breaches of this particular draft management plan may differ from those outlined in the broader Act.