If the amendments get passed …

Just for any legally minded masochists amongst us, I have drafted a copy of the PMAA 2007 as it would appear if the amendments get passed ( Download: PMAA_2007_with_proposed_2014_amendments_included.pdf ).

Where existing Sections of the Act would be deleted, I have shown those sections in red strikethrough format; where new sections would be added to the Act, I have shown those in blue font format and where Sections of the Act would be unchanged, I have left those in black font format. In the interest of research, and indeed, in the general public interest, I hope readers might find this useful.

The present Pulp Mill Assessment Act 2007 provides for the suspension of the Pulp Mill Permit should the proponent be in breach of the Permit conditions. Our Premier and her minority Labor Government are attempting to remove this provision. Should they be successful, it will mean that a mill proponent could be able to continue operating while in breach of the Permit.

Here is the sub-clause that they want to delete:

(3) If the person proposing the project does not comply with a condition contained in the Pulp Mill Permit, the Pulp Mill Permit is suspended until such time as the condition is complied with.

Surely we can’t allow them to get rid of this?

No thank you, Premier. That is outrageous. That’s one of the things that would happen under this so-called PMAA 2007 doubts-removal amending legislation. Once again, it seems that we will see Liberal and Labor politicians are lining up to say yes to bad legislation. Please open the amendments doc and have a look at the proposed changes. Remember, the deletions are in red, the additions in blue and the continuing text in black.

• Mill can operate in breach of permit conditions if legislation passes