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

I do recall that there was a lot of discussion about the water trigger during one part of the campaign. I am advised that the Labor government's new environmental laws will include an expanded water trigger to cover all forms of non-conventional gas, including shale gas. Consultation on draft laws begins this month. We would welcome support across party lines. That might be more hopeful than realistic, but obviously these things are always better if they can be resolved with at least some cross-party support. In the meantime, the government has made available our Independent Expert Scientific Committee on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development to assist in assessing the impact of gas projects seeking their approval. This is the same committee that will assess water impacts of projects when the water trigger is legislated.

Senator Hanson-Young, I think there were two parts to you question. I've partly answered them. You asked when. My advice obviously indicates it's still in the process of being consulted. You asked how we would ensure that this occurs by the end of the year. In part, that is in the hands of those in this chamber.