Greasy politics by both major parties on the Bight

23 Jul 2020

Posted May 17, 2019

Centre Alliance is calling out both Labor and the Coalition’s recent election ploys in relation to drilling in the Great Australian Bight.

"Their recent announcements are simply designed to deceive South Australians before the election," said Centre Alliance environment spokesperson Senator Rex Patrick.

This week Labor promised to commission an independent scientific study into the impact of an oil spill in the Great Australian Bight.

"Equinor has already done its own modelling which shows the disaster that would occur if there was a spill. This is a meaningless gesture designed to make people think that Labor cares about the Bight," said Rex. "They don’t care."

Yesterday the Coalition, after supporting the project all the way through this term of Government, announced it would conduct an independent audit of NOPSEMA.

"Again this has little meaning," said Rex. "You are either for or against drilling in the Great Australian Bight. Centre Alliance is against it."

Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie said: "I think what we are seeing is the major parties saying one thing before the election and then giving themselves the scope to act another way after the election.

"They are both being disingenuous."

Andrea Broadfoot, Centre Alliance Candidate for Grey, said: "The risks associated with this activity are just simply too high. My electorate is highly dependent on fishing and tourism, both of which will be devastated by the long term effects of a spill.

Centre Alliance will strongly advocate against this activity in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. If re-elected, Federal Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie will reintroduce her Private Member’s Bill to grant National Heritage Status to the Great Australian Bight.

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