Susan McDonald Queensland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia
5:18 pm
My question is to the Minister for the Environment and Water. Minister, your EPBC changes will negatively impact our mining sector. It will delay approvals, it will undermine our economy and it will not deliver better environmental outcomes. How many current mining approvals will be forced to comply with new conditions, or do you guarantee no retrospective changes?
Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water
5:19 pm
I thank Senator McDonald. I might make the point that it should be very clear to all watching that it is the opposition and the Greens who have prevented this parliament from continuing to sit and answer questions this afternoon. We're prepared to stay as long as anyone wants us and as long as anyone has got questions. Twice we've attempted to move to not adjourn until the Leader of the Government in the Senate asks that further questions be placed on notice. It would appear that Senator David Pocock, for all of his posturing; the opposition, for all of their posturing; and the Greens don't want to stay and ask questions.
Susan McDonald Queensland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia
Relevance.
Bridget McKenzie Victoria, National Party, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
He hasn't started!
Opposition senators interjecting—
Sue Lines President
Senator McKenzie, I have reminded the Senate since question 11 that these additional questions came from a motion of the Senate yesterday, which was agreed to by the chamber, and I have said since question 11 that questions and answers will be heard in silence. I also remind all senators of the motion that was passed earlier in the week, which went to respect. I should not have to call individual senators to order. I should not even have to call, 'Order!' You can have the robust debate in the answer to your question, but, in the intervening time, you will listen in silence.
Senator McDonald, you made a point of order. I will draw the minister to your question. Minister Watt.
Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water
I'm very pleased that from day one, when we introduced the bill into the House of Representatives, we've seen support for the reforms from the Ai Group—who, of course, represent many businesses in the mining sector—from the Clean Energy Council and from the housing industry of Australia. Just like they're on board, you should get on board too.
Susan McDonald Queensland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia
5:21 pm
Given that the minister has just refused to guarantee that there will be no retrospective changes—Minister, it takes 16 years on average for a mine to progress from exploration to production. Will you guarantee that the stop-work orders proposed in the EPBC changes will have clear time limits imposed?
Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water
I've got a really good suggestion for Senator McDonald for how to speed up approval times, and that's to vote for the government's legislation.
Unidentified interjection - Hansard doesn't record who said this
Hon. Senators:
Honourable senators interjecting—
Sue Lines President
Order! There are a number of people jumping. I'm assuming that you are seeking to ask questions, rather than raise points of order, because we are still with Senator McDonald. Senator McDonald, second supplementary?
Susan McDonald Queensland, National Party, Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia
5:22 pm
Just to be clear, the minister, the government, has failed to answer two very specific questions that industry is asking. You can pretend as much as you like that they're not asking, but that is the question on their lips. Minister, will you rule out a climate trigger in the EPBC reforms?
Murray Watt Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water
I did that already.
Varun Ghosh WA, Australian Labor Party
I seek leave to ask a question on behalf of the state of Western Australia concerning Junior Rangers.
Leave not granted.