Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the question. I understand from media reports that this is a coalmine Mr Palmer has some interest in. I understand that yesterday Ms Plibersek, as the relevant minister, made a decision in relation to this mine. The minister, obviously, is empowered for this under the legislation, which has been in place for many years. My recollection is that there were changes made to it by Senator Hill when he was environment minister in a coalition government.

The minister is required to decide every project on a case-by-case basis, as she is required to do by law. I understand from public statements—and I assume there was a release of appropriate documentation—that she has not approved the project because the risks to the Great Barrier Reef, freshwater creeks and groundwater are too great. The—