Wet Tropics Management Authority Board supports an Indigenous Voice to Parliament

The Board of the Wet Tropics Management Authority has released its latest position statement supporting the Uluru Statement from the Heart, in particular, a First Nations Voice to Parliament enshrined in the Australian Constitution.

The Authority’s Chair, Chrissy Grant, said the Board recognises Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are best placed to shape the solutions that will help their communities to overcome the systemic disparities and disadvantage.

“The Authority acknowledges the significant contribution that Indigenous Peoples have made, and continue to make, in the stewardship of the World Heritage Area, and we are privileged to partner with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples to manage the cultural and natural heritage values within the Area,” Ms Grant said.

“In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge our dark past. When the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of Queensland (the Area) was listed, without the consent of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, in 1988, it was only the region’s environmental values that were recognised, and not the rich cultural history of Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples.”

However, the Authority has made significant headway in righting this wrong, since the signing in 2005 of the Regional Agreement with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, an agreement we are currently working to refresh.

Ms Grant said that liaising with the Traditional Custodians of the Wet Tropics is now central to all the work the Authority conducts as part of its responsibility for protecting and managing the environment, biodiversity and heritage values of the Area. 

“The Area is home to some of the world’s oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforests and the traditional lands of one of the world’s oldest cultures.

In making its position known, the Board recognises and respects that there are a range of opinions and diversity of views from Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians regarding the Uluru Statement.

“We do not purport to speak for any sector of the community, but as an organisation that has the responsibility of protecting and presenting the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area for the benefit of all humanity, we respectfully offer our perspective to be included in the national conversation,” Ms Grant said.

“We acknowledge that everyone is entitled to reach their own decision come the referendum, and we encourage all Australians to consider the invitation and opportunity with an open heart and an open mind as we move forward to this historic referendum.”

Wet Tropics Management Authority Board position statement on First Nations Voice to Parliament

Published: 27th Jun 2023