Published June 2024
More than 100 days have passed since the Malinauskas Labor Government and Greens held a joint press conference ahead of the Dunstan by-election announcing measures to strengthen heritage laws – but since then little effort has been put into the legislation.
The changes, which were supported by the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council, sought to address so-called demolition by neglect of state heritage listed buildings.
Acting Shadow Minister for Environment, Jack Batty, said Labor and the Greens must explain why they have failed to implement the strengthened heritage laws as promised after rushing to announce them ahead of the by-election.
“It is clear that Labor and the Greens are only interested in heritage when there is an election,” Mr Batty said.
“This is history repeating itself – Labor always say one thing about heritage before an election and do the complete opposite after.
“A few weeks before the last election Susan Close said she had no plans to demolish any State Heritage Listed buildings. A few months later she put the bulldozer through the Thebarton Barracks.
“A few weeks before the Dunstan by-election Susan Close and the Greens had the gall to make more promises about heritage. Now the election is out the way, they seem to have forgotten about this promised legislative reform.
“Parliament is now on break until the end of August – about six months after the urgent announcement was made ahead of the by-election. Why hasn’t the new Member for Dunstan, Cressida O’Hanlon, sought to progress these reforms since her election?
“With these laws in the go-slow lane, State Heritage Listed buildings across the state, such as Bell’s Plumber Shop in College Park, remain at risk of demolition by neglect.
“The Liberal Party knows heritage matters. Heritage buildings tell the stories of our past, and when protected, contribute to the built and cultural fabric of our future.
“Outside election time, it is only the Liberal Party fighting to better protect heritage through legislative reform and better investment in conservation.”
