NO.028

Hon Peter Costello, Treasurer

Senator Ian Campbelll, Minister for the Environment and Heritage

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

PRODUCTIVITY COMMISSION TO EXAMINE BUILT HERITAGE CONSERVATION

The Treasurer and the Minister for the Environment Heritage, Senator Ian Campbell,

today announced that the Productivity Commission will undertake an inquiry into

the conservation of Australia’s historic built heritage.

The Commission will report on the economic, social and environmental benefits

and costs of conserving Australia’s historic built heritage.

The Treasurer noted that the inquiry will look at the policy framework and

seek information about the impacts of regulatory, taxation and institutional

arrangements on the conservation of historic heritage places. The inquiry will

also look at emerging technological, environmental and social trends that offer

potential new approaches to conservation.

Senator Campbell said the inquiry would complement the Government’s new

national heritage system, established in 2004, to reduce duplication across

governments and strengthen the protection of Australia’s most important

heritage places.

He went on to say that Australia’s heritage is of great value to both

the economy and our national identity. This inquiry will help identify the value

of our historic heritage and determine how individuals, the private sector and

governments can work together to conserve our historic heritage better. The

inquiry will inform government on future approaches for managing the conservation

and use of our historic heritage places.

The Productivity Commission will shortly invite expressions of interest from

anyone wanting to participate in the review.

Senator Campbell encouraged anyone with any interest in the inquiry to make

a submission to the Commission.

To obtain copies of the terms of reference or to register interest in the inquiry,

visit the Productivity Commission website at www.pc.gov.au.

CANBERRA, 6 April 2005

Contact: David Alexander 02 6277 7340 (Treasurer’s office)

Renae Stoikos 0418 568 434 (Campbell’s office)