Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I completely agree with Senator Heffernan, but I am seeking to allow the government a chance to justify their policy position. I hope to succeed in that at some point this evening.

The next contention, Minister, that you made in your statement was that the public will have greater confidence that coal seam gas will be subject to rigorous assessment. How can they, if the assessment is proceeding and approval will be given without waiting for the results of this committee? If the minister could expand on how that could possibly logically follow, I would be most grateful.