Kim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Industry) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to Senator Johnston, the Minister representing the Attorney-General. I refer the minister to the Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources’ comments on ABC radio on 26 July when he said that the government was seeking advice on whether or not it could override state bans on nuclear reactors. Can the minister indicate whether the Attorney-General’s Department, the Australian Government Solicitor or the Solicitor-General have been asked to provide this advice? Have any of these agencies provided earlier advice to the government on this matter and, if so, when? When does the government intend to introduce legislation to give it the power to override state governments’ wishes and approve nuclear reactors?