LIBERAL MP Nick McBride will seek party room support for a legislated ban on fracking but says the State Government believes the bill “does nothing but add more discussion and debate to parliament”.
The Member for MacKillop said while the Liberal Party was of the belief the current ministerial directive should be considered strong enough, he acknowledged a legislative prohibition would provide additional confidence “for some in our community”.
Two identical bills seeking to enshrine the Liberal Party’s pre-election moratorium in law have been tabled by Mount Gambier MP Troy Bell and Greens MLC Mark Parnell and will be discussed in an upcoming sitting of parliament.
Mr Bell’s energy act amendment is scheduled to be debated in the lower house on July 4.
The bill will require the support of the entire Liberal Party in both the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council, with the Greens’ amendment needing to secure the vote of an additional crossbench MLC to pass in the upper house.
Following Mr Bell’s notice of motion, Energy and Mining Minister Dan van Holst Pellekaan said he was committed to “respectfully examining” the proposed legislation, but said it may not improve the protections extended under the existing moratorium.
Last week, a State Government spokesperson said the promised 10 year moratorium had already been delivered, “obviating the need for legislation”.
However, Mr McBride said the moratorium would be harder to reverse if it was legislated.
Mr McBride said he had no intention of crossing the floor at this stage as he hoped to be an effective voice for the region and a “team player” during internal debate in upcoming party room meetings.
Limestone Coast Protection Alliance chair Angus Ralton supported Mr McBride’s bid to gain support for the bills within the party room.
“I think it is absolutely fantastic to see someone in the Liberal Party support the moratorium being legislated,” he said.
“It is especially good for a Liberal, based in our local area, to understand the sentiment and the reality that a 10 year moratorium by parliamentary directive is worthless.
“I completely understand why he would rule out crossing the floor at this stage, but if it comes down to it, and given his position so far in choosing to back his community, we would encourage him to consider crossing the floor.”
