House debates Questions without Notice
Daintree Rainforest
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House
2:53 pm
My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for the Environment and Heritage. Has the minister seen the full-page advertisement by the Commonwealth funded Australian Rainforest Foundation featuring Peter Cosgrove calling for the buyback of Daintree property, ‘to protect this magnificent rainforest’? Is the minister aware that Lawrence Springborg, the Leader of The Nationals in Queensland, supports additional development rights in the Daintree? Does the minister agree with Peter Cosgrove that the Daintree should be protected or with Lawrence Springborg that the Daintree should be developed?
David Hawker Speaker
Order! The last part of the question is not necessary.
Anthony Albanese Grayndler, Australian Labor Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House
Why?
Warren Truss Wide Bay, National Party, Minister for Transport and Regional Services
I am not sure whether the Minister for the Environment and Heritage has seen the advertisement concerned; I have seen the advertisement. I think it is reasonable that we should do what we can to preserve the precious environment in the Daintree and other parts of Queensland. On the other hand, it is also reasonable to undertake development in appropriate places so that we can obtain the commercial benefits associated with tourism and growth in our economy.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Opposition Members:
Opposition members interjecting—
David Hawker Speaker
Order! The minister will resume his seat. Has the minister completed his answer? The minister has the call.
Warren Truss Wide Bay, National Party, Minister for Transport and Regional Services
The two are not mutually exclusive.