Hon Robin Chapple questions the Minister for Mines and Petroleum regarding the funding and legislative details of the government's environmental regulation reform program for the mining sector, particularly concerning mine abandonment and non-compliance. The question went unanswered.

AnsweredQoN 392Legislative Council
Asked
19 June 2012
Portfolio
Mines and Petroleum

QuestionView source ↗

MINES — ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION REFORM
392. Hon ROBIN CHAPPLE to the Minister for Mines and
Petroleum:
I refer to conversations and
questions asked during the estimates hearings on Wednesday, 6 June 2012 in
relation to bonds. On 8 May the minister announced the government's
intentions to ''reform environmental regulation'' when it is
administered under the Mining Act. This reform process and the proposed
regulatory system clearly require a significant increase in resources. There
were, however, apparently no new resources in the state budget to implement the
reforms.
(1) How and when will the government's
reform of environmental regulation program be funded?
(2) I note the
government intends to introduce distinct legislation to establish the fidelity
fund to deal with mine legacy issues. Will this legislation also contain
specific criminal offences for mine abandonment resulting in noncompliance with
mine closure plans?
(3) If no to (2), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

I answer on behalf of the Minister for Mines and Petroleum.
After all of that, I sincerely regret to inform the member that I do not have
an answer for him, and I do not believe the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Mines and Petroleum has an answer either, but if
one becomes available by the end of question time, we shall give it to the
member.

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