Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to say up-front that I recognise the support that the Queensland Labor government has provided to this project. They are working very closely with the federal government to ensure that a major investment in our nation can happen, because it is important for our country. It is important we work together as federal and state governments—and indeed, I recognise the great work that the local governments have done as well—so we are all working together to see this happen.

But there are still obstacles in the way. There are still a number of court cases outstanding, where a number of groups are taking actions, but not to try and protect the environment. They are transparently trying to hold up the creation of jobs in our country, not because they feel there is something wrong with the approval processes but because they think that by delaying the project through the court system they can stop the project altogether. I do not believe our judicial system should be held to ransom by these groups who want to oppose those jobs and stop this development in this country. We need to see this project go ahead. We are working with other political parties and other governments— (Time expired)