The Resources Minister, Paul Harriss, is wasting public resources by his refusal to release publicly his Statement of Reasons for his approval of the Venture Minerals’ operations at Mt Livingstone and Mt Lindsay, both occurring within the Meredith Ranges Regional Reserve, Greens Leader and Mining spokesperson Kim Booth MP said today.
“We have already seen the Supreme Court last year find a previous refusal by the EPA to release statement of reasons regarding Shree minerals’ permit conditions to be unlawful, which surely sets a clear precedent,” Mr Booth said.
“In that situation, the EPA actually didn’t bother to contest once they were taken to court by Save the Tarkine, and Justice Blow issued court orders requiring the statement of reasons to be provided.”
“Instead of learning from this example, Minister Harriss is forcing a community organisation to drag him to court to secure statement of reasons, which will take up court resources, as well as the time and wages of departmental staff, and potentially risks having costs awarded against the government should the outcome mirror the previous EPA case.”
“The Greens are calling on Minister Harriss to put side his revenge-driven ideology, release this information which is clearly in the public interest, and save this unnecessary expense and wasted resources.”
“He cannot justify this waste at the same time the government is sacking teachers, nurses and other public sector workers.”
“Minister Harriss’ blind addiction to secrecy comes at a cost to good governance, to the public purse, and to community confidence,” Mr Booth said.
Kim Booth MP | Greens Leader
