Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The previous, Labor-Greens alliance government developed a proposal for Abbot Point to the tune of 38 million cubic metres of dredge spoil. Where were the critics and outrage then, one might ask. This is yet another example of the Greens moving the goalposts for their own purposes. Crying foul since the day this government assumed office, they cannot abide the fact that this government is on track to deliver better environmental outcomes than the government that they were in league with.

This government has been listening to the public and is taking action to minimise impacts on the Great Barrier Reef. Both the Queensland and Commonwealth governments have been working with ports along the Queensland coast, including at Abbot Point, to hear about and develop better approaches. The government is not aware of any approach by the Queensland government to use federal funds.