On behalf of Mr Jihad Dib: I move:
That this bill be now read a second time.
The Environmental Trust Amendment Bill 2024 makes amendments to the Environmental Trust Act 1998 to increase the membership of the Environmental Trust from five members to six members, to require the additional member to be a person who identifies as Aboriginal, and for that person to be appointed by the Minister administering the Act. These small but significant amendments will change the operation of the provisions in practice by adding an additional voting member to the Environmental Trust who can make decisions. Since 2009 the Environmental Trust has been delivering environmental grants programs that support Aboriginal communities to protect and restore landscapes.
The new NSW Environmental Trust Strategic Plan 2024 to 2029 prioritises environmental issues impacting New South Wales related to prioritising healthy country, recognising and valuing Aboriginal culture, restoring ecosystems and biodiversity, and strengthening environmental management. Aboriginal representation on the trust board is appropriate in this context. In May 2024 the trust considered the benefits of bringing an Aboriginal member to the table to assist the trust with carrying out its functions, and ultimately decided to endorse such a proposal. The Government listened to and agreed with the trust, and is now proposing to ensure there is appropriate Aboriginal representation at the core of the trust's decisions.
The inclusion of Aboriginal membership on the trust aligns with other government decision-making bodies, including many in the Environment and Heritage portfolio, such as the NSW Coastal Council, the Heritage Council of NSW and the Biodiversity Conservation Trust. I turn for a moment to a wonderful example of the many NSW Environmental Trust-funded projects achieving remarkable outcomes for both the New South Wales environment and Aboriginal peoples: the Gully Traditional Owners project, in collaboration with the Blue Mountains City Council. The initiative, part of the trust's Protecting Our Places program, is dedicated to restoring the Aboriginal and environmental values of the Gully Aboriginal Place.
Located in the beautiful Blue Mountains, the Gully holds profound significance for the Gundungurra and Darug traditional owners. This land is deeply woven into their cultural, spiritual, social and economic fabric. They have a longstanding relationship with this special place. Since 2012 the award-winning Garguree Swampcare project has made substantial progress in rehabilitating that vital area, integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary conservation practices. The project includes several key activities such as bush regeneration, stream bank stabilisation and habitat enhancement around Catalina Lake.
The area has become a thriving ecosystem, which supports over 50 bird species as well as long-necked turtles, crayfish, native fish and frogs. These efforts are crucial to maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance. This collaboration between the Gully Traditional Owners and Blue Mountains City Council is an example of how integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation techniques can achieve sustainable outcomes. It demonstrates the profound impact of such initiatives in both fostering environmental stewardship and preserving cultural heritage. I acknowledge David King, a Gundungurra man and a friend I am very proud of.
The National Agreement on Closing the Gap is a top priority of the New South Wales Government, in partnership with Aboriginal organisations, communities and people. Having an Aboriginal member on the trust will contribute to the four priority reforms, especially priority reform one, creating formal partnerships and shared decision‑making within government to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. All appointments will comply with the NSW Government Boards and Committees Guidelines, the Public Service Commission's Classification and Remuneration Framework for NSW Government Boards and Committees, and Premier's Memorandum M2021-07, Appointments to NSW Government boards and committees. The bill contains an additional minor amendment to update the reference to the "Chief Executive of the Office of Environment and Heritage" with "the Secretary of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water". I commend the bill to the House.
