RANK and file Liberal Party members have called on the parliamentarians who represent them to back Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell’s bill to enshrine a legislated 10-year moratorium on fracking in the Limestone Coast.
The Mount Gambier branch of the Liberal Party has written letters to each of the government members of parliament in both the Legislative Council and House of Assembly expressing an expectation they will vote in support of the legislation.
In a statement authorised by president Roger Saunders, the branch members said they were supportive of the current ministerial-directed 10-year moratorium on fracking in the Limestone Coast, but were concerned it did not provide sufficient certainty in the event of a future change of government.
Mr Bell’s proposed amendments to the energy act, which will see fracking legally banned in the region for the next 10 years, are expected to come to a vote on September 5.
The independent MP welcomed the branches “unprecedented” support, adding it demonstrated country constituents would not be taken for granted.
“I think both the premier and the State Liberal Party need to take this very, very seriously,” he said.
“It is very clear the community wants this 10-year ban legislated and the premier and the South Australian Liberal team need to listen to the community.
“It is almost unprecedented that a Liberal branch would be writing to the premier demanding they fulfill their pre-election commitment.”
Limestone Coast Protection Alliance chair Angus Ralton said local Liberal Party members publicly calling their leaders to account was of great significance.
“I think it is fantastic the Mount Gambier branch of the Liberal Party is backing Troy Bell’s motion and I think it is sad the state Liberal Party has not seen the hypocrisy of their stance at the moment,” he said.
“We all know a moratorium as far as being a ministerial directive does not hold water under a change of government.
“We encourage them, as do their members, to do what they have promised before the election.
“It is important to respond to what your members want.”
Liberal MP Nick McBride said he was supportive of the branch’s motion and understood members’ concerns over the current ministerial directive.
“I think it is significant we have grassroots Liberal members advocating for a policy they believe the Liberal government has not honoured in its entirety,” he said.
“This lack of action to legislate the 10-year moratorium has led our local Liberal branch to lobby the Liberal members in Adelaide to support the Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell’s private member’s bill.”
Mr McBride said he would seek party room support for Mr Bell’s private member’s bill, but refused to comment on whether he would cross the floor when it was voted on.
A previous attempt by Greens MLC Mark Parnell to enshrine the moratorium in law was not supported in the state’s 22-member upper house.
Only Mr Parnell and colleague Tammy Franks, along with SA-Best MLCs Frank Pangallo and Connie Bonaros, voted in support of the bill.
Labor’s sole South East representatives Clare Scriven and Kyam Maher voted along party lines to shoot down the proposed legislation.
