Cassy O’Connor MP | Greens Leader and Aboriginal Affairs Spokesperson
If the Premier is serious about resetting the relationship with Aboriginal Tasmanians he will resist pressure from a noisy minority to reopen Tarkine tracks to 4WDs.
The tracks were closed by the Labor Green government in response to significant damage to Aboriginal heritage caused by irresponsible off-road vehicle users.
The Tarkine is recognised for containing some of the world's richest archaeological heritage sites.
This treasure must be protected out of respect for Tasmania's first people and to avoid more damage to the fragile coastal environment.
The Liberals' reckless and destructive proposal to reopen the tracks is now before the Federal Court.
While the matter is before the Court, the Liberals are not in a position to implement their ill-advised stance to reopen the tracks, but the Premier should have walked away from the position long before this point.
There is no argument apart from pandering to Adam Brooks' constituency to allow free reign for 4WDs in the Tarkine.
The Premier needs to listen to the constituency that has the longest, deepest history in the Tarkine - Aboriginal Tasmanians.