Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-03-25 Daily Xml

Contents

BEVERLEY FOUR MILE NATIVE TITLE AGREEMENT

The Hon. M. PARNELL (14:59): By way of supplementary question, does the minister think it is appropriate for the mining companies to put pressure on the traditional owners to agree to a mine when the PER process is not completed?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:00): The idea of putting on pressure is the honourable member's term. We know that Heathgate is keen to get its new mine up and running so there will be continuity of employment not just for other South Australians who work there but also for the local indigenous community who work at that mine. I think it is in their interests—and in the interests of everyone—that there be some continuity, so that when the current Beverley operations are completed this significant new mine at Four Mile will be ready. So there are obviously certain timelines that Heathgate is seeking to achieve, and I think there are entirely reasonable reasons for trying to achieve those guidelines.

This government is certainly keen to see the operations continue to ensure continuity of employment in that region. However, if you come from the political position where you want zero employment in the uranium industry you will support whatever you can to try to disrupt that being achieved.