Lee Rhiannon MLC
Introduction
Sean Gough:
Apparently we live in a democracy, though many in New South Wales will argue whether that is still the case. However, we do have a parliament where laws are written and our elected officials brought to account. I believe that politicians are elected to serve the best interests of the community and our environment, requiring strong leadership at times such as the present.
Lee Rhiannon is well placed to bring our concerns to the high table.
Transcript
Your campaign to say no to Sydney Gas reaches much further than the Wollombi Valley although it's absolutely essential that we not allow even one drill hole to go down for the people of Wollombi and the visitors, this campaign also underlines a need to bring balance to the great rush to exploit natural resources that is going on in Australia and round the world.
We need balance, and that balance needs to look at the needs of local communities, the wider needs of the global world and obviously our local environment.
So we certainly support your campaign.
In terms of the Parliamentary process, I can ask questions we can put up private Members Bills to change these laws that are so inadequate but to be frank about it, the way we can have an impact by taking that message into the Parliament is when your voice, the public voice of opposition to Sydney Gas coming into Wollombi is so strong, and so extensive.
And that's what we really need to work on.
Because as we've heard from speaker after speaker, the law effectively locks us out.
You've heard Part 3A mentioned a number of times. It's worth just saying a couple of words about this.
Part 3A is a change that came in to the Environment Planning and Assessment Act in 2005 voted on by both Labour and the Coalition.
I emphasise the Coalition because I went to a lot of meetings and the Coalition, understandably, are very critical of what Frank Sartor is doing.
We wouldn't have so many of those laws because prior to this Government prior to this Parliament, with the Coalition and the Greens, and when the Democrats were there in unity we actually had the numbers and we could have defeated the Part 3A going through but it went through and it's a really bad piece of legislation, and I did just want to spell it out.
Want to spell it out, not to disempower you but to remind you what it's like and then the need for us to explore other ways to get our voice heard.
Because it's our public voice as James [Ryan] has said that puts pressure on the Politicians to do something, to do the right thing.
Part 3A gives enormous powers to the Planning Minister.
The Planning Minister does not have to take notice of any environmental laws of any heritage laws doesn't even have to take any notice of his own Director General. Doesn't have to accept their advice.
An environmental impact statement isn't needed in most cases and the community is locked out.
So, that's the reality that we're facing, you've heard if this comes through as a Part 3A.
So what do we do about it?
It is tough, and I think we need to recognise from the outset how hard it's going to be, because I think that always makes for a stronger campaign.
The problem that we also have is that the Governments of this State have traditionally supported Mining interests.
We've seen that for two centuries, Labour or the Coalition when they're in power
They give approval... they grant these exploration leases. They agree to the licences to mine.
Comments (1)
Posted: 20-Aug-08 09:39 by You Permalink
She is 100% correct. They want to divide and conquer. Our experience in Broke is that they want to see people privately, they don't want anyone to get advice. We have had them white anting at social events but unable to answer questions at public meetings. So united we stand, divided we fall.
Join or log in to leave a comment