Hon. Sally Talbot questions the Minister for Environment regarding legal advice sought concerning the EPA's assessment of the Browse LNG project at James Price Point, particularly regarding disclosures of interest, delegation of powers, and delegation 22. The Minister provides partial answers, citing time constraints and legal professional privilege for withholding some information.

AnsweredQoN 731Legislative Council
Asked
26 September 2012
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

BROWSE LNG
PROJECT — ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AUTHORITY ASSESSMENT
731. Hon SALLY
TALBOT to the minister representing the Minister for Environment:
I refer to the minister's media release dated 16 July
2012 in which he said he had received legal advice from the State Solicitor's
Office on the Environmental Protection Authority's assessment of the
Browse LNG precinct at James Price Point.
(1) How many
times and on what dates did the minister seek legal advice on any matter,
including disclosures of interest and delegation of powers, in relation to the
EPA assessment of the Browse precinct?
(2) How many
times and on what dates did the chair or other member of the EPA or the Office
of the Environmental Protection Authority seek legal advice on any matter,
including disclosures of interest and delegation of powers, in relation to the
EPA assessment of the Browse precinct?
(3) How many times and on what dates
did the minister seek legal advice in relation to delegation 22?
(4) How many
times and on what dates did the chair or other member of the EPA or the OEPA
seek legal advice in relation to delegation 22?
(5) Who provided the legal advice to
questions (1) to (4)?
(6) Will the minister table all
advice received and, if not, why not?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice
of this question.
(1) Once, on 28 June 2012.
(2) Providing the
information for this part of the question in the time required is not possible
and the Minister for Environment requests that the member place this question
on notice.
(3) Once, on 28 June 2012.
(4) Providing the
information for this part of the question in the time required is not possible
and the Minister for Environment requests that the member place this question
on notice.
(5) Advice is
sought from the Office of the Environmental Protection Authority's
legal services section on a case-by-case basis and from the State Solicitor's
Office as required.
(6) No, because
the information pertains to legal advice and to do so would waive legal
professional privilege.

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