Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff needs to clarify whether his decision on the state’s fracking moratorium will be based upon formal advice or just be his personal opinion, Greens Leader and Mining spokesperson Kim Booth MP said today.
“The Greens are calling on Minister Rockliff to clarify concerns that the departmental assessment of the 157 submissions received will not provide any clear recommendations to the Minister, but will instead just be a summary of their content,” Mr Booth said.
“This begs the question of how does Mr Rocklif intend to make his decision? Will it be based on formal advice arising from matters raised during the consultation process, or will it just boil down to Mr Rockliff’s personal opinion?”
“Tasmania’s farmers and landholders deserve to know on what basis the Minister will be deciding the potential fate of their properties.”
“Tasmanians who care about our clean, green status and the health of our waterways and environment also deserve to know on what basis the Minister will be determining our ecology’s worth versus the short term money grab by fracking companies.”
“Come clean Mr Rockliff and be upfront on whether you have asked the review unit to provide you with a report resembling a literature review of submissions, instead of clear recommendations?”
“Mr Rockliff should also tell the community when they can expect to hear whether the state’s fracking moratorium will become a permanent ban, instead of leaving everyone in limbo while the expiry date looms closer.”
Mr Booth suggested that the Frack-Free Tas public rally on Parliament House Lawns this Saturday the 28th of February would be a good opportunity for Minister Rockliff to announce the government’s decision.
