Brett Whiteley (Braddon, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Labor has sided with the Greens to block legislation in the Senate that would see a potential major mining project on the north-west of Tasmania up and running sooner while maintaining high environmental standards. The Hodgman government's decision to grant a new mining lease to Forward Mining for a mine near Burnie is great news for the north-west Tasmanian economy. It shows the state government is just as committed as the federal Liberal government to a strong mining industry in my state.

If it proceeds, the proposed Hampshire mine will employ over 200 workers in the construction phase and 100 full-time employees when fully operational. Unfortunately, this mine runs the risk of being further delayed because the ALP continues to side with the Greens to block legislation in the Senate that would cut red tape for environmental approvals. Today, I have a message for all Labor senators: cut the Greens loose and back the Liberal government's one-stop shop environmental approval legislation.

Anything we can do to save time in the approval process for the proposed mine will help local workers struggling to find work following the recent closure of other mines on the west coast and the Caterpillar factory in Burnie. If Labor senators are on the side of the Greens and not workers, not small businesses and not greater employment, they should at least have the courage to stand up and tell voters their position and why they needlessly delay important major projects.