Matthew Canavan (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Patrick for that question and for advance notice of the topic of the question. I also recognise his well-engaged interest in this very important issue. Up-front, I would like to confirm what Senator Patrick has said, and that is that community support is central to the decision about a location for a radioactive waste facility in this country. It has been central to this entire decision-making process. We do have three sites, in two communities, now progressing. It is the views of the people of Kimba, Hawker and surrounding regions that will now determine whether this waste facility will proceed or not. It is their views which are most important, not my own and not those of other senators in this place. It is the views of the people on the ground which are the most important.

Senator Patrick asked about the definition of broad community support and whether we have a definitive number. The first thing I would like to point out is that the formal vote that will be occurring in the Kimba and Hawker regions is only one input; it is not the only thing the government is doing through this process to judge community support. Yes, of course, that will be a very important factor; but we are also taking submissions and views from people who live outside the formal regions. Obviously, we need a definitive region to take an electoral roll from; but there are people outside those regions who also have an interest and a stake, and their views will be considered. The views of neighbouring landholders of the potential sites will obviously be prioritised, given the greater stake they potentially have with a facility locating next door to their land. Also, the views and interests of Indigenous communities in Hawker and Kimba will be given great weight.

All of those factors will come in to define broad community support; it will not simply be the result of the vote. But I can give a firm commitment that only with the support of a willing community will the government proceed with a waste facility in one of these locations. (Time expired)