Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader and Mining spokesperson
There are serious questions to be answered about the Environment Protection Authority's decision to allow Shree Minerals to apply for a new permit to operate their Nelson River mine in the Tarkine.
The company failed to meet its environmental permit conditions and there is still an estimated 80,000 cubic metres of acid producing waste on site.
Shree's financial situation brings into legitimate question their intentions for the site and its rehabilitation.
How much influence have the so-called Minister for the Environment, Matthew Groom, and his Braddon Cabinet colleague, Adam Brooks had over the decision?
Was any direction or indication given by anyone in government to the independent EPA that it needed to give the discredited mining company another chance?
The now Mining Minister Adam Brooks released statement after statement cheering on Shree Minerals in 2013 and 14, citing them as the saviour of the North West and damning anyone who questioned them.
Does Mr Brooks still stand by his unqualified backing of Shree with 80,000 cubic metres of acid producing waste still sitting there on the banks of the Nelson River?
This is a serious matter involving a potentially serious environmental threat.
The Greens last night lodged a series of Right to Information requests with both Ministers' offices, the EPA and the Department of State Growth.