Rex Patrick (SA, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Economics References Committee for inquiry and report by 14 August 2018:

The appropriateness and thoroughness of the site selection process for a national radioactive waste management facility at Kimba and Hawker in South Australia, noting the Government has stated that it will not impose such a facility on an unwilling community, with particular reference to:

(a) the financial compensation offered to applicants for the acquisition of land under the Nominations of Land Guidelines;

(b) how the need for 'broad community support' has played and will continue to play a part in the process, including:

  (i) the definition of 'broad community support', and

  (ii) how 'broad community support' has been or will be determined for each process advancement stage;

(c) how any need for Indigenous support has played and will continue to play a part in the process, including how Indigenous support has been or will be determined for each process advancement stage;

(d) whether and/or how the Government's 'community benefit program' payments affect broad community and Indigenous community sentiment;

(e) whether wider (Eyre Peninsular or state-wide) community views should be taken into consideration and, if so, how this is occurring or should be occurring; and

(f) any other related matters.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government does not support this inquiry, as the information being sought is largely available on the department's website. The government is now assessing three possible sites in two communities for their social and technical suitability to host a national radioactive waste management facility. This has been done following a voluntary and fully transparent, community-driven process, consistent with the National Radioactive Waste Management Act 2012. The government's focus is on local communities and the traditional owners, but it also includes the broader community. The Minister for Resources and Northern Australia has advised that he would be happy to provide a briefing on this project to any senator or member.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that business of the Senate notice of motion No. 2, standing in the name of Senator Patrick, be agreed to.

Scott Ryan (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I advise senators there are two matters remaining to be dealt with which may have divisions, and I will be ringing the bells for one minute.