Mining Legislation

Mr HUGHES (Giles) (14:41): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Does the minister support public calls by four of his colleagues for the government to undertake meaningful consultation with regional communities on the issue of land access?

The SPEAKER: That question is in order. Minister.

The Hon. T.J. WHETSTONE (Chaffey—Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development) (14:42): That is an important question, and it is a good question. It is important that as a government we consult widely, that we consult with landowners, with farmers, with anyone who is particularly impacted by legislation and laws brought before this place.

Farmers look for the best deal possible, and in this situation that is exactly what farmers are expressing. They are looking for more security. They are looking for a better price and more rent for their property. I know full well what it means to have a co-arrangement with miners. My family farm had a copper mine on it and we got on like a house on fire. We got on beautifully because we respected one another's working arrangements.

With my irrigation farm in the Riverland, I had a mine as my neighbour. We got on well. We respected one another's views. We talked regularly and we actually shared opinions. We didn't use political means to get what we wanted. We were able to negotiate—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

The Hon. T.J. WHETSTONE: I am just trying to give the house some examples of how farmers and miners can coexist. As you have asked the question, it is about the consultation. It's about the conversation that farmers and miners or farmers and manufacturers will have. We do not always share the same view, but when we can come to the middle of the road and agree is when we have achieved something; that is when we have had a good outcome.