Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

In response to the substantive motion, there are already strong legislative protections at the federal level for the sustainable development of Australia's and Australians' resources. The proposed coalmine has been subject to a detailed environmental impact assessment and considered in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development has also provided advice on the proposal. The Commonwealth will make a decision on whether to approve the China Stone coalmine proposal once the Queensland government's evaluation report is carefully reviewed. We will be support the suspension; we will not be supporting the motion.