Peter Whish-Wilson (Tasmania, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Senator Conroy. Minister Burke has indicated that he is waiting for the national heritage council to provide a report on the possible National Heritage listing of the Tarkine. This will mean a ministerial decision as late as the second half of next year. Given that 58 exploration licences have now been issued, seven new mining leases have been granted and three existing mines are operating in the area, is the minister aware that the implication of such a delay could see around 80 per cent of the region opened up to mining and exploration before Minister Burke makes his decision?