Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to ask a question of the Minister representing the Minister for Resources, Minister Farrell. Just last week, Energy Resources Australia announced their intention to apply for an extension of their lease at Jabiluka mine, which sits within Kakadu National Park. It is estimated that the uranium deposit is one of the largest in the world. This comes off the back of concerns of ERA being able to fund rehabilitation in the nearby Ranger mine. It also occurs in the context of Australia not being a party to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. My question to the Minister is: has the government had an application for the extension of uranium mining at Jabiluka?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Cox for her question and her courtesy in giving us some advance notice about the nature of the question. An application for the renewal of the Jabiluka mineral lease is not currently before the government, so if ERA have made that statement, they have not formally made an application for an extension of that licence. However, we will consider information about Jabiluka at the appropriate time. As you say, it is in the heart of the Kakadu National Park. That discussion will take place in good faith with all of the parties involved.

If ERA do finally apply for the renewal of the lease, it's the Northern Territory minister who will have to consult with and act on the advice of the Commonwealth before advising ERA of its decision. We note that ERA and Rio Tinto have expressed commitments to the longstanding Jabiluka long-term care and maintenance agreement that provides that Jabiluka will not be developed without the consent of Mirrar traditional owners. It's understandable that the traditional owners and those working on country apply appropriate scrutiny to any decision or any application that might be made. The Albanese government is committed to sustainable mining to protect our pristine environment, and that's why we're establishing the national— (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cox, a first supplementary question?

Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

At the recent Labor conference in Brisbane this Labor government reaffirmed their commitment to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Whilst there is talk of more uranium mining, does this government have a timeline for signing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Cox for her first supplementary question. There is a difference between mining uranium and the proliferation of nuclear weapons but, as you say, this issue was discussed at the recent ALP national conference, at which I was present.

Labor has a proud history of advocating for nonproliferation and disarmament and is committed to the goal of a world without nuclear weapons. We support the treaty—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Minister Farrell, please resume your seat. Senator Cox?

Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Just a point on relevance. My direct question went to a time line, so, with the last 16 seconds, can you point the minister in the direction of the time line, please?

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I believe he is being relevant. Minister Wong?

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

I apologise to Senator Cox and the President, because I was just distracted, but I would raise again that it doesn't sound to me like this is a supplementary question from the original question. In fact, the treaty—TPNW—is probably better addressed to my portfolio, not the resources portfolio, and a number of others have raised it. Certainly I don't recall the treaty being discussed in the primary question. Obviously, the minister can answer what he's able to in his portfolio, but I again request that we look at whether or not supplementary questions are in fact supplementary.

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cox, I have sought advice, and the clerk has advised me that you have jumped portfolio. As Minister Wong has informed you, Senator Farrell will continue to answer the question, but—yes, Senator Cox?

Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Can I clarify that the words 'treaty on the prohibition of nuclear weapons' was actually in the original question? But I appreciate Senator Wong's—

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Yes. I noted the word was there, but I'm nevertheless advise that you have jumped portfolios. Senator Farrell.

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government is engaging constructively to identify realistic pathways for nuclear disarmament. For this reason— (Time expired)

Sue Lines (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Senator Cox, second supplementary?

Dorinda Cox (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It seems that there are only a few loud shareholders at ERA that want this extension. Will the government commit to not allowing uranium mining to continue at Jabiluka mine site?

Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Cox for her second supplementary question. The truth of the matter, I think, Senator Cox, is that we don't wish to pre-empt what may happen at some stage in the future. In fact, I think it would be inadvisable in particular for me to make a comment in relation to that. An application for the renewal of the Jabiluka mineral lease is not currently before the government, and the Albanese government is committed to sustainable mining to protect our pristine environment. That's why we are establishing the National Environment Protection Agency. The government recognises the Mirarr people opposed mining at Jabiluka and the government recognises that ERA and Rio Tinto have a commitment to the longstanding Jabiluka long-term care— (Time expired)