❓ Hon. Norman Moore questions the Minister for the Environment and Heritage about a potential conflict of interest regarding the Maud's Landing project, given her previous opposition as Shadow Minister. The Minister delegated her role to avoid potential legal challenges.
AnsweredQoN 342Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Minister to the answer to my question without notice of Tuesday, November 26 2002 in which the Minister confirmed that she had, in her capacity as Shadow Minister for the Environment, lodged an appeal against the EPA’s decision in the Maud’s Landing project.
I further refer to the Minister to her appeal on that occasion which was based on the following assertions -
(a) The scale and nature of the development is not consistent with the scale and style of development favoured by eco-tourism;
(b) There is a limited database of scientific knowledge for this area of Western Australia;
(c) The proposed development site is located in a remote arid area of Western Australia, which is considered to be very fragile, both on the land and Ningaloo Reef area; and
(d) No development should be allowed to proceed adjacent to Ningaloo Reef until an overall strategy for this area has been undertaken in accordance with the finding of a Select Committee.
(1) In view of the fact that the current proposal before the Government has been appealed against in similar terms to those used by the Minister in her previous capacity as Shadow Minister, will the Minister accept that she has a biased view of the Maud’s Landing project and disqualify herself from any involvement in the decision of Cabinet in respect to the future of the project?
(2) If not, why not?
I further refer to the Minister to her appeal on that occasion which was based on the following assertions -
(a) The scale and nature of the development is not consistent with the scale and style of development favoured by eco-tourism;
(b) There is a limited database of scientific knowledge for this area of Western Australia;
(c) The proposed development site is located in a remote arid area of Western Australia, which is considered to be very fragile, both on the land and Ningaloo Reef area; and
(d) No development should be allowed to proceed adjacent to Ningaloo Reef until an overall strategy for this area has been undertaken in accordance with the finding of a Select Committee.
(1) In view of the fact that the current proposal before the Government has been appealed against in similar terms to those used by the Minister in her previous capacity as Shadow Minister, will the Minister accept that she has a biased view of the Maud’s Landing project and disqualify herself from any involvement in the decision of Cabinet in respect to the future of the project?
(2) If not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
17 December 2002
Responded by
Minister for Housing and Works representing the Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Response time
14 days
(b) There is a limited database of scientific knowledge for this area of Western Australia; (c) The proposed development site is located in a remote arid area of Western Australia, which is considered to be very fragile, both on the land and Ningaloo Reef area; and (d) No development should be allowed to proceed adjacent to Ningaloo Reef until an overall strategy for this area has been undertaken in accordance with the finding of a Select Committee.
(c) The proposed development site is located in a remote arid area of Western Australia, which is considered to be very fragile, both on the land and Ningaloo Reef area; and (d) No development should be allowed to proceed adjacent to Ningaloo Reef until an overall strategy for this area has been undertaken in accordance with the finding of a Select Committee.
(d) No development should be allowed to proceed adjacent to Ningaloo Reef until an overall strategy for this area has been undertaken in accordance with the finding of a Select Committee.
However, there was still a possibility my decision could be challenged. This could lead to a lengthy legal battle - causing both major confusion and delay in resolving whether the project can proceed, as well as a significant cost to taxpayers. The only way to avoid such an outcome was to delegate my role in the assessment of the current proposal to another Minister. 2) Not applicable.
The only way to avoid such an outcome was to delegate my role in the assessment of the current proposal to another Minister. 2) Not applicable.
2) Not applicable.
(c) The proposed development site is located in a remote arid area of Western Australia, which is considered to be very fragile, both on the land and Ningaloo Reef area; and (d) No development should be allowed to proceed adjacent to Ningaloo Reef until an overall strategy for this area has been undertaken in accordance with the finding of a Select Committee.
(d) No development should be allowed to proceed adjacent to Ningaloo Reef until an overall strategy for this area has been undertaken in accordance with the finding of a Select Committee.
However, there was still a possibility my decision could be challenged. This could lead to a lengthy legal battle - causing both major confusion and delay in resolving whether the project can proceed, as well as a significant cost to taxpayers. The only way to avoid such an outcome was to delegate my role in the assessment of the current proposal to another Minister. 2) Not applicable.
The only way to avoid such an outcome was to delegate my role in the assessment of the current proposal to another Minister. 2) Not applicable.
2) Not applicable.
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