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

I thank the senator for her question. I do have some information on the project. On 13 February 2009, Waratah Coal referred a proposal to develop two mines in the Galilee Basin. The proposal is being assessed jointly with the Queensland government. Senator Waters, I certainly share your concerns about the prospect of Clive Palmer determining environmental policy in Queensland, because, as Senator Brandis, Senator Joyce or Senator Cash wing their way over Queensland in Clive Palmer's jet, I am sure they fail to notice those environmental considerations that would be at stake. I am not sure what they serve instead of the champagne and hors d'oeuvres on the Palmer jet, but some of those on the opposite side certainly know, and the prospect of Clive Palmer running Queensland—