Stephen Conroy (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's questions:

(1) (a) Section 146F of the EPBC Act requires the Minister to take into account the principles of ecologically sustainable development when considering economic and social matters in making a decision on whether to approve an action or class of actions in relation to the proposed Browse LNG project.

(b) The Minister will only make a decision on whether to approve actions in relation to the proposed Browse LNG project once he is satisfied all relevant matters have been appropriately addressed.

(c) (i) The final terms of reference under the strategic assessment agreement signed between the Australian and Western Australian Governments does not make any recommendation for the establishment of a peer review panel.

(ii) The WA Government is still finalising the Plan and strategic assessment report. Once finalised and submitted to the Minister for consideration, the Minister will determine whether the proponent has adequately addressed the strategic assessment terms of reference.

(2) Yes.

(3) (a) Yes.

(b) The WA Government is still finalising the Plan and strategic assessment report, which will include an analysis of economically and technically feasible options outside the Kimberley, as required by the strategic assessment terms of reference. The Minister will only make a final decision on whether or not to approve the proposed precinct once all matters relevant to the terms of reference have been appropriately examined.

(c) Yes.

(d) Refer to answer 3b.

(e) Refer to answer 3b.