The State of the Environment report released yesterday clearly shows the Federal Government lags behind the community when it comes to the importance of preserving Australia's cultural and Indigenous heritage, Greens spokesperson for Heritage, Senator Penny Wright, said.

"The report indicates that heritage is underfunded in Australia and resources for heritage conservation are declining in real terms. This is alarming and at odds with the community's support for heritage issues," Senator Wright said.

"A nation's cultural heritage plays a significant role in that nation's perception of itself and the way others see it, so it is crucial that Australia's wealth of Indigenous and settlement legacy be protected and preserved for future generations.

 "The Greens are very concerned about the lack of recurring and substantial funding in the area of heritage.

"It is imperative that the Australian Heritage Strategy, which the Government is currently developing, sets out a clear policy direction on how it plans to manage, conserve and promote our cultural and historical legacy.

"Australians want to see the Government take leadership on this issue because once gone, our heritage cannot be brought back."

Media contact - Jennifer Maisel   0417 173 508