Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate calls on the Government to:

(a) examine the new evidence presented by Dr Salisbury, that there are archaeologically and culturally significant but insufficiently documented dinosaur footprint trails right along the Dampier Peninsula coastline, including at the site of the proposed James Price Point gas hub precinct;

(b) commission further science that will identify the extent of the dinosaur footprint fossils in the proposed James Price Point gas hub precinct and the impact that construction of a gas hub would have on these fossils; and

(c) undertake a full environmental, social and heritage impact assessment of the James Price Point gas hub precinct proposal.

Jacinta Collins (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for School Education and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy President, I seek leave to make a brief statement.

Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Jacinta Collins (Victoria, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for School Education and Workplace Relations) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Burke will not be in a position to make a decision on whether or not to endorse the precinct plan until the Western Australian government has finalised its strategic assessment documents to meet the terms of the strategic assessment agreement focusing on potential impacts to matters of national environmental significance.

The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority has finalised its draft recommendation report with draft approval conditions and completed a two-week public appeals period. The Western Australian Office of the Appeals Convenor is considering appeals received before providing a report to the Western Australian environment minister for final decision.

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Mr Deputy President, I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I want to reiterate what I spoke about at length in the chamber last night, and that is: these footprints are probably going to prove to be some of the most important trackways and dinosaur footprints on this earth. We are talking about footprints that were left 130 million years ago. Some of these footprints have been left by what are now thought to be some of the biggest dinosaurs that ever walked this earth. The connection between these footprints and Aboriginal culture is also unique in the world. The government is continually saying, 'It's not our problem.' It is, because these are so important. This project should be rejected on the basis of these footprints alone, besides anything else—the marine environment, of course, and the rest of the terrestrial environment. It is not good enough for this government to wash its hands of this issue and to say that it is a state responsibility. (Time expired)

Stephen Parry (Tasmania, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that the motion moved by Senator Siewert be agreed to.