Ayers House Bill – Second Reading speech
Thursday 8 February 2024
S.E. ANDREWS (Gibson) (16:09): I rise to speak on the Ayers House Bill. It is a pleasure to be able to speak on this bill and the importance of protecting heritage in our state and on the delivery of yet another election commitment. Prior to the election, we committed to introduce legislation to grant ongoing rights in relation to Ayers House to the National Trust of South Australia, including its use for commercial operations to generate revenue for the National Trust. This bill delivers on that commitment.
The National Trust as an organisation has been working to protect and promote heritage in South Australia since it was established under an act of parliament in South Australia in 1955. It exists on donations, grants, membership fees, entry fees and sponsorship and is strongly supported by our community. The trust actively conserves, manages and promotes South Australia's Indigenous, natural and built historical heritage and culture and does so as a community-based, not-for-profit non-government organisation.
Like all not-for-profit organisations, it relies on the support of the community, including more than 1,000 registered volunteers and over 5,000 members. Over the years, the National Trust and their volunteers have contributed towards supporting heritage conservation and heritage education. While we may only have built heritage stretching back over 200 years, we have natural and Indigenous heritage that spans close to 100,000 years, and we need to make sure that all of this is protected.
Ayers House is an iconic building along our cultural boulevard, joining our beautiful Museum, Art Gallery, State Library, Bonython Hall and so many others between our historic Adelaide Railway Station and our unique Botanic Gardens. Many South Australians will have visited Ayers House for events, functions, open days or high tea.
The National Trust was first asked to assist in managing Ayers House in 1971. In 1970, our progressive and visionary Premier of the time, Don Dunstan, invited the National Trust to contribute to his plan to restore, furnish and present the house to the public as a museum, restaurant and function centre from its then disposition as nurses' quarters.
The Ayers House Act will ensure that this location is safe from any future minister evicting the National Trust on a whim, particularly our current member for Black when in landlord mode. The act will maintain the minister as the registered owner of Ayers House on the certificate of title, while giving the National Trust permanent care, control and management of Ayers House. Further, it will allow the National Trust to generate income to support its operations through leases, licences and other activities within Ayers House while also ensuring public access.
The National Trust will be liable for all claims related to Ayers House, while the property will be exempt from council rates, and transitional provisions will be put in place. It is important that we protect our heritage and that we support organisations like the National Trust that work for our community. I support this bill and commend it to the house.
