By Peter Gandolfi
UPDATED
THE Labor Party has promised not to change the moratorium on fracking in the South East according to a statement released today.
The statement follows a leaked recording of Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas, obtained by The Border Watch this week, that cast doubts about the future of the fracking moratorium that currently applies in the Limestone Coast if Labor was elected.
Speaking at a South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy function recently in Adelaide, Mr Malinauskas criticised the Liberal Government for restricting mining activities.
“What I say to you is – name me the only government in South Australia that has introduced a moratorium in terms of the mining industry – there is only one and it ain’t the Labor Party,” Mr Malinauskas said.
“In 16 years we were in government, not once was there a moratorium introduced but the conservative side of politics under Steven Marshall’s leadership did that – consciously and willingly.
“So, there is only one party in government that has introduced a moratorium on this industry over a parcel of land.”
In today’s statement Mr Malinauskas said: “Labor’s position is clear: we will not make any changes to the moratorium on fracking.
“Labor has listened to the local community and will uphold the law as passed by Parliament.”
Premier Steven Marshall, while visiting the region this week, reaffirmed his commitment to maintain the 10-year moratorium on fracking in the South East if returned to government at the State election on March 19.
“The only way to guarantee that the moratorium on fracking will remain in place until at least November 2028 is to vote Liberal at the coming election,” Mr Marshall said.
“A vote for anyone else opens up the possibility of electing a Labor Government which will axe the ban on fracking in the South East as soon as possible.
“I’m proud the Liberal Party represents and listens to concerns of South Australia’s primary producers.
“Peter Malinauskas presents a genuine risk to the communities of the South East if elected.
“The return of a Liberal Government is the only way to guarantee that the rights of the communities of the South East are respected.”
Independent Member for Mount Gambier, Troy Bell said it was disappointing to hear Mr Malinauskas’s comments.
“This is why we needed legislation to enshrine the 10-year ban on fracking,” Mr Bell said.
“Any alteration to this agreement has to be passed by both Houses of Parliament – that’s why I fought so hard against the Liberals who just wanted to give instruction to the department rather than locking it away in legislation.”
He said he didn’t trust either party to maintain the moratorium for a 10-year period and believes it is important to have independents in Parliament.
“My position is not negotiable and I will not support any party that is going to reverse the moratorium.”
Shadow Minister for Energy Tom Koutsantonis said: “The fracking moratorium is enshrined in law and Labor will not make any changes, if elected.
“This is a clear message to the people of the South East that they can have confidence the moratorium will remain in place.”
