Larissa Waters (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) Adani Mining, as part of the Adani Group, is currently being investigated by the Department of the Environment and Energy for potential breach of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) Carmichael Mine approval conditions, for alleged unlawful clearing of vegetation and sinking of groundwater dewatering bores, and

  (ii) Adani Infrastructure, as part of the Adani Group, has applied for EPBC Act approval for a pipeline to bring water to the mine site for washing of the coal; and

(b) calls on the Minister for the Environment, or her delegate, to not make a decision on the pipeline application until the results of the investigation and subsequent decision on whether to take enforcement action into the alleged mine site breaches has concluded.

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

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minuted.

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

The Department of the Environment and Energy is making inquiries in relation to allegations that Adani has breached its approval conditions. The department is working cooperatively with Adani and the Queensland government in relation to the North Galilee Water Scheme. The project has been referred under the EPBC Act and will be assessed in accordance with that act.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The question is that general business notice of motion No. 1106 standing in the name of Senator Waters be agreed to.

John Williams (NSW, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Deputy President, I have a point of order. Earlier on Senator Di Natale sought leave to speak for one minute. I was in my office watching and, during that time, he referred to 'where both of these clowns get most of their material from', referring to senators in this place. You ruled there was no point of order. I'm asking you to revisit that decision. I believe it is unparliamentary for a senator to refer to others in here as 'clowns'. I ask you to ask that Senator Di Natale withdraw those comments.

Sue Lines (WA, Deputy-President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Williams, I will check whether you can actually raise a point of order after the event. They are usually taken at the time. I stand by the ruling I made at the time.