AUSTRALIAN Conservatives MLC Robert Brokenshire has called on parliament to halt a bill aimed at changing the Mining Act, which he claims the government is trying to rush through parliament ahead of the 2018 state election.
“I am concerned the government is rushing this through so they can go to the mining industry before the election to say they are the most pro-mining state in Australia,” Mr Brokenshire said.
“This bill could have serious ramifications for the farming sector and the government is not giving the parliament time to properly scrutinise this or to consult with relevant industries to see what they think.
“They are pushing to get this through both the Lower and Upper House with only two sitting weeks left for the year.”
Mr Brokenshire said it was “absurd and disrespectful” for the State Government to introduce a comprehensive bill which proposes significant changes to both the farming and mining sectors while still consulting.
“This is the most comprehensive review of the mining act to be undertaken in a decade and the first of a series of bills which have surprisingly been introduced into the Lower House before the government has even finished consultation with stakeholders,” he said.
“They are supposed to consult with farmers, regional and rural people until November, yet they have already drafted the legislation.
“This is obviously just a Clayton’s consultation with the government not really interested in the concerns raised by farmers.”
He said a proper debate was needed as to where mining can occur and where farming land should be protected.
“No time has been allowed for members to consult, scrutinise or debate this bill before it comes to the Upper House,” he said.
“Protocol is that two sitting weeks as a minimum should be allowed so that we, as elected members of this parliament, can do our due diligence and consult with our constituents and the industries this affects.”
Meanwhile, Mineral Resources Minister Tom Koutsantonis said the bill was drafted based on more than 130 written submissions and targeted engagement with over 1700 stakeholders.
“This bill outlines balanced changes that will cut unnecessary red tape, better protect landowners and our environment, increase transparency, and attract investment in South Australia,” he said.
“Ongoing consultation on native title issues, other landowner and environmental aspects and mine rehabilitation funding will continue into 2018.”
Mineral and Energy Advisory Council chair Keith Yates said the council was satisfied with key recommendations as part of the review.
“Proposed changes to the act reflect the appropriate balance between the diverse interests of all stakeholders,” Mr Yates said.
“Bipartisan support by the two major political parties for the amendment bill is essential to achieve these outcomes.”
South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy chief executive Rebecca Knol said the chamber was committed to working with other sectors to ensure mining and agriculture not only sustainably co-exist, but prosper.
“The review has been an integrated and collaborative process which has expedited 82 recommendations that make the act more workable for all,” she said.
Australian Mining and Petroleum Law Association SA president Leanne McClurg welcomed the amendments.
“Proposed amendments to the mining legislation which accurately reflect the 33 recommendations for business and investment could increase certainty for the sector by creating a system where parties’ rights and interests are more clearly identified and are capable of being better protected – which could lead to increased activity in the sector,” she said.
