Nick Sherry (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Minister Assisting the Minister for Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

I am aware there are some issues of contention with coal seam gas and I have seen various media reports on some aspects of that activity. I am aware that the use of coal seam gas as an energy source is a very longstanding practice in this country and it accounts for about 30 per cent of domestic gas production in the Eastern States. I could talk much more directly and extensively about the first part of your question about coal seam gas and the activities around the country of various entities.

To come to the second part of your question about Mr Vaile and Mr Anderson, I am aware that they are officers of two companies. That is the limit of my knowledge. The companies you named may or may not be correct. It is not to my knowledge that they are officers of those companies. They may be, but I would have to take that on notice and find out whether that is correct. If it is correct, I am not personally aware of any activities that they have undertaken. They certainly have not seen or discussed with me anything in relation to what may be their perfectly legitimate representations on behalf of the commercial entities that they represent. As to any representations they may have made to any other ministers—(Time expired)