31 October 2024
Resources company Newmont’s appeal to the Federal Government to approve its EPBC application to extend its mining operations in regional New South Wales should not be painted as a possible chance at redemption for the Environment Minister and the Albanese Government.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek has already failed the test of Ministerial responsibility with her bungled decision that saw the $1 billion, 800-job McPhillamys gold mine scuppered on baseless cultural heritage grounds, robbing the state of New South Wales $200 million in royalties that could be used to pay for schools, hospitals and roads.
Shadow Environment Minister, Jonno Duniam:
“This would not be redemption for Tanya Plibersek because of her inexcusable decision that has seen the McPhillamys gold mine written off, with 800 jobs on the scrapheap.”
“Every week, more questions arise over this politically-motivated decision that saw a great project killed off on what we now know are baseless grounds.”
“The Environment Minister and this Labor Government have little credibility left. Any positive decision on Newmont’s activities will not override or counteract the outrageous decision made by the Minister to block the Blayney gold mine.”