(1) Is the Minister engaged in discussions with the Queensland Government relating to the Commonwealth-state legislative frameworks and arrangements which govern World Heritage areas in that state.

(2) Are there any proposals or negotiations to draft new legislation for the management of World Heritage areas in Queensland; if so: (a) what are these proposals; and (b) how far advanced are they.

(1) The Minister is not engaged in discussions with the Queensland Government relating to the Commonwealth-state legislative frameworks and arrangements which govern World Heritage areas in that state. However, the Queensland Minister for Environment has kept the Minister appraised of matters under consideration concerning state government arrangements for World Heritage within Queensland.

The Minister understands that the matters under consideration include improving the capacity of the State to administer and manage World Heritage properties (or parts thereof) subject to Queensland jurisdiction. In particular, the Minister understands that Queensland is examining its options for meeting the state government's World Heritage election commitments, and providing an enhanced capacity for Queensland to address World Heritage obligations under the Convention and relevant requirements of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

(2) No formal proposals have been put to the Commonwealth, and no negotiations have been entered into between the Commonwealth and Queensland governments.