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Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-12-02 Daily Xml
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FOUR MILE MINE

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (15:19): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government a question on the subject of the Four Mile Mine.

Leave granted.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: Two weeks ago I made some comments in this place about the very close association between the Rann government, the Premier and the Deputy Premier and a person who has been described in the national media as a 'colourful billionaire', Mr Neal Blue. I note, Mr President, that, contrary to the claims made two weeks ago by both yourself and the minister, the Hansard record shows that at no time during my comments did I use the term 'ministers' or refer to minister Holloway specifically.

However, having noted the sensitivity of the minister on this particular issue—and I thank him for that—I was delighted to receive some further information to put to him by way of a series of questions, as follows:

1. Is it correct that late in October this year the representatives of Alliance were summoned to an unsolicited meeting at the State Administration Centre with the Premier?

2. Is it correct that minister Holloway and Mr Kevin Gent also attended that meeting?

3. (a) Did any representative of Quasar Resources or any other companies associated with Mr Blue raise the dispute between Alliance and Quasar Resources, the Premier or his officers prior to that meeting?

(b) If yes, was the Rann government asked for assistance in trying to settle the dispute?

4. At that meeting, did the Premier express concern to the representatives of Alliance about the dispute and other related matters?

5. Given the minister's sensitivity on this subject and his claim of the government's impartiality in relation to the dispute, did the Premier and the minister also seek a meeting and meet with the representatives of Quasar Resources in or around that time about the dispute and, if not, why not?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:21): I have had a number of meetings both with Alliance Resources and also Quasar in relation to the matter of the Four Mile Mine. In relation to Alliance, yes; I was in a meeting; I have been at meetings. My understanding was that it was certainly not unsolicited, as the honourable member suggested, but, rather, that Alliance had sought the meeting, but I would have to check that. Certainly, there have been a number of meetings trying to resolve this issue, because it is in the state's interest that the Four Mile Mine proceeds as soon as possible.

However, there is a court case now under way between Quasar Resources and Alliance. The state government would clearly like that matter resolved quickly so that this mine can proceed. In relation to the details of it, obviously, because it is before the courts I am constrained in what I can say in relation to those matters. I will reaffirm that the state government has at all times acted and advised and spoken to parties in accordance with the advice we have received from Crown Law. It has been made clear to the parties what the position was in relation to the registration of native title claims that was required. We have made it clear to both parties, and we have stuck with that.

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