CHAIR (Mr C. Thomson)—I declare open this the eighth public hearing of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics in its inquiry into issues affecting Indigenous economic development in Queensland, including issues surrounding Queensland’s Wild Rivers Act 2005. The Wild Rivers Act 2005 aims to preserve the natural values of rivers with all or almost all of their natural values intact, but not undermine sustainable Indigenous economic development in the Cape York region or other parts of Queensland.

In addition to examining the broader question of Indigenous economic development, the committee has also been asked to examine the impact the recently introduced Wild Rivers Environmental Management Bill 2010 would have if passed. The bill provides that the development or use of native title land in a wild river area cannot be regulated under the Wild Rivers Act 2005 without the agreement in writing of the landholder. At today’s hearing we will hear from representatives from AgForce, and from Dr Chris McGrath. I understand we have AgForce on the phone at the moment.

[11.25 am]

Evidence was taken via teleconference—