LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Sir – I hope the interim report into hydraulic fracturing due this week will actually indicate the inquiry’s views of the issues, rather than just being a rehash of the evidence.
After more than six months, and more than $3m of taxpayer dollars already, Territorians deserve an actual report which deals with and makes recommendations on the terms of reference.
I hope the interim report is not just a glorified progress report or update, but provides a clear indication of the inquiry’s thinking.
Even after all the taxpayer funds, public servants’ time and the time of members of the community, an NT News report indicates that the final decision will depend on CFMEU union membership levels, and their success in internal Labor party processes.
The Labor Government has consistently refused to streamline the lengthy timeframes for this inquiry. Before the election, no one was told that the inquiry would be so lengthy, cumbersome nor expensive. Every day the government delay is a wasted opportunity.
Territorians need jobs now, the Territory needs investment now, but instead Labor is merely going through the motions to actually avoid tough decisions.
Territorians have been blessed with abundant supplies of natural gas which can form an important part of Australia’s energy supply and security into the future.
Despite inquiry after inquiry showing this technique can be done safely with appropriate regulation, all we get are more inquiries. The Territory’s abundant onshore gas supplies should be playing an important part in a diversified Territory economy post-Inpex.
Instead of trying to plan for post-Inpex, the Labor Party is focussed on union memberships and internal processes of who will make the final decision. The government is focussed on blaming everyone but itself for our current economic woes, while standing in the way of solutions.
Gary Higgins (pictured)
Leader of the Opposition
Thursday, April 25, 2024
The freedom of the press still furnishes that check upon government which no constitution has ever been able to provide – Chicago Tribune.
Good to see someone sees no jobs with all this frac fear mongering.
Australians know nothing about how to do the multi pad fracs like here in west Texas, USA.
I say again fracking has created growth and made the USA non dependent.
The Territory fullas should see this as no frac operations in the wet is just common sense and if only people could wake up and see fracking has been here since 1946 and not be lead by folks who make announcements on anti frac when they themselves have no expertise in the industry.
Maybe they should join CNN and the Clinton national network and continue to drive the Territory into a place that cannot support itself.
Operators have rights if the Territory residents want all the benefits from fossil fuels.