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

I reject that. I have said before that we're seeking broad community support and that the number is not just a simple majority. The number needs to be considered to define the support across a broad level of the community. The results of the decisions we've made previously to take projects forward to the next stage are on record, and I would contend that the support of 57 per cent of people in a community is very strong support, particularly for a proposal that obviously has some degree of contention.

I can understand people's views on this matter, but I can also understand those people who support the facility. The facility will deliver 45 jobs to a local community. It will provide an ongoing connection to premier scientific organisations in this country, including the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, and it will support ongoing economic development through the establishment of a government-funded infrastructure fund. So I can understand why people support it and that there are people who oppose it, and both views must be considered. (Time expired)