Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources) Share this | Hansard source

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Amendment Bill 2007 facilitates the extension of the life of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust from 19 September 2011 to 19 September 2032. Since the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust was first established in 2001, it has gained significant experience in transforming and managing seven important historic sites in Sydney Harbour and has also gained strong public support for this role. The extension of the life of the trust until 19 September 2032 supports a recent agreement between the Commonwealth and the New South Wales government to transfer title of the land situated at the former North Head artillery school to the trust until 2032. As I stated in my second reading speech, the extension of the date by which the act is to be repealed will ensure that the trust will continue to manage this iconic site until it is transferred back to New South Wales. It will also enable the trust to continue its work of remediating and making available to the public for another 26 years these magnificent former Commonwealth sites. I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Ordered that this bill be reported to the House without amendment.

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