Ian Campbell (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for the Environment and Heritage) Share this | Hansard source

The two major dam proposals that the Queensland government has initiated both trigger the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. I am happy that the Queensland government has referred both of those proposals. They are both, in fact, required to be assessed under the EPBC Act because there are federal triggers involved and the assessment processes will be the subject of that law and the subject of the bilateral agreement that we have in place with Queensland.

It is a very important aspect of the federal environmental law that we have, after years of proposals for development around the country having to, quite often, go through three, four or five approval processes, developed a law and arrangements with most of the states. I urge the other states to come on board with bilateral arrangements, particularly under, hopefully, the reformed environment law that will go through this place in the next 10 days, because we can get the sort of situation that we have in Queensland.

As Senator Bartlett has pointed out, the law does allow a full public inquiry for the two dam proposals. I make it very clear that the proposal to build these dams is a Queensland government decision. They have primary responsibility for ensuring that the water needs, particularly of south-east Queensland, are met. The Commonwealth government has no role in deciding the water policies of Queensland except through the National Water Initiative in a cooperative way. The Queensland government have made a decision to build these dams. They are both major proposals. They can have environmentally significant impacts and they will be assessed thoroughly under the appropriate laws.

As to the need for a full public inquiry, we are not at that decision making point yet. It is very rare to use the full public inquiry process. I am very aware, because of the substantial interest, undertakings and submissions made to me by my colleagues, such as the Hon. Warren Truss and the Hon. Alex Somlyay in the other place and by Queensland senators who—as you have, Senator Bartlett—have come to me and lobbied me on the same matter, that this is a matter of very deep concern. I am very aware of the environmental significance of the projects. I am very aware of the community concern expressed by you and coalition colleagues on this side of the chamber and by colleagues in the other place. Whether or not a public inquiry is the best process, I am yet to be convinced.

Let it be said that, under the alternative processes, there will be a full public disclosure period and opportunities for any member of the public, community group or scientist to be engaged. There is huge interest in these projects from the scientific community right around the world because of the potential impact on the lungfish, as you would know, Senator Bartlett. That opportunity exists and a process that allows full public engagement without the formal public inquiry process is available. I am yet to determine whether there will be a formal public inquiry process. I am taking a very close interest in it and I am very happy to keep liaising with you on the process and the decision-making process as we move down that track.